Almost-Satnav For Cycling 119
An anonymous reader writes "A couple of guys (us) in Cambridge have written a cycle routing system, CycleStreets.net, based on open data, and have now released it as a free iPhone app. It's been done on a shoestring, in spare time. There's an API and some disruptive tech in the form of a photo submission screen where street problems can be submitted directly. Because it's open data, you don't have to wait 6 months for the routing to be fixed if there's a bug. Android and .mobi versions are in the works, with the apps being done on GitHub."
just a guy (Score:2, Interesting)
From my limited knowledge looking in to the works of Open Street Map it would be best for the cycle-tastic groups wanting to push their agenda to talk about the overall work of OSM and their usability.
I love open source. I hate a lot of faff. Tried using OSM tracker with OSM and tracking a trip from Sheffield to Exeter - basically crashed my Samsung Galaxy S... and that is the phone I was hoping would take me across Europe as a SatNav.
Usability is so important. Put you time and effort in to that - the "open data" is already there thanks to OSM.
Re:Probably off topic, but I want to know! (Score:4, Interesting)
My Tracks will record your tracks, and I think allow you to import them into google maps. Google latitude, part of Google Maps, will allow those you tag as authorized to view your whereabouts, if you want people to find you when you're out on the road. Those are the two main apps I use for that kind of stuff.
Do you need to be able to view your phone in this holder, or do you just want it to be able to gather data while you bike? I use a frame bag and just tuck my phone in there, when I'm out.
If you really need this... (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:just a guy (Score:4, Interesting)
Usability is so important. Put you time and effort in to that - the "open data" is already there thanks to OSM.
I just use a TomTom One with a decent bicycle mount. It's easy to use and with USB charging, I can easily power it with a standard battery to USB charger and it cost £100 (much less than an iPhone would have cost). Okay, it doesn't cover bridleways, but you can never be sure what the conditions are going to be like on bridleways. Muddy tracks suitable for horses aren't always suitable for a road bike.
Re:Based on OpenStreetMap data (Score:1, Interesting)
Now that's something that should have been in the description. Not just for the attribution, but rather because this makes the project instantly more interesting since they're building on OSM instead of trying to do their own thing. I hope they contribute back their improvements!
Re:Real time updates (Score:3, Interesting)
I think much of it has to do with lessening chaffing, wearing a material that will let your sweat evaporate vs just absorb it, not as a fashion statement
Bingo. That's why I wear bike shorts. Good sweat wicking without seams or folded fabric prevents crotch rot and chaffing. For really long rides (>60-miles), having the thin gel pad is really nice. Of course I'm reasonably fit and don't look too bad in them. I personally don't find the really heavy-set guys or girls in spandex t all that pleasant to look at. But on the positive side, they are out there exercising trying to improve themselves instead of being couch potatoes.
When I participate in a race and see a really large woman struggling to finish, I recognize that she probably put out more effort and guts than the guy who won the race in half the time.
Re:Real time updates (Score:1, Interesting)
I've done several 100+ mile days and ride to/from work regularly(route:http://maps.google.com/au/maps?q=Military+Rd,Cremorne+to+Pyrmont) in nothing more than t-shirt and shorts(I wear boxers if that changes anything) and have never experienced these issues you mention.
I've had no significant sweat problems(the wind keeps you dry while your riding) and no chafing. I get the wind resistance issue though I suspect you should pay more attention to wheel resistance(under-inflated tires). I too am mystified by all the lycra and padded shorts. So what am I missing?
Re:Real time updates (Score:2, Interesting)