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LA fights soaring pedestrian deaths with an interactive map
Open data can be an incredibly powerful tool, but it still requires context and people to actually pay attention to the information for it to be valuable. Los Angeles has discovered this the hard way. Its Vision Zero initiative aims to eliminate traffic deaths by 2025, but compared to other cities with similar programs, LA is coming up short in terms of results. After the program's first full year (2016), fatalities rose by some 43 percent according to the Los Angeles Times. There are a number of reasons for this, including more pedestrian and bicycle traffic, distracted driving and driving under the influence. To combat the rising number, the city looked to data as a means of discerning the most fatal roadways.
Google Maps can remember where you parked on Android and iOS
Google Maps already lets you know when parking at your destination might be difficult, but the app's latest navigation feature aims to make things even easier after you've arrived. The helpful parking location features we saw last month just became official, meaning Google Maps on Android and iOS will now remember where you parked the car once you reach your destination -- and it's literally a no-brainer to use on iOS.
A Google search is all you need to book a fitness class
When Reserve with Google starting helping users book fitness classes last year, the scheduling tool was only available in Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York City. Today, the company announced that the handy feature is now available all over the US. That means that you'll be able to book and pay for a yoga or exercise session in Google Maps, Google Search or directly through the Reserve with Google website.
Google Maps now offers easy access to important info
Google Maps' Marcus Lowe has announced a tweak to the service that makes it significantly more useful for Android users. Nestled at the bottom of the home screen will be a new section containing real-time information for busy travelers. Simply swipe up and you'll be presented with three tabs offering data that'll ensure you never need to consult a third-party app again. At least, that's Google's plan.
Google Maps tells you if locations are wheelchair accessible
It's tough using internet maps when you have a wheelchair. If you don't use a third-party site like Wheelmap, you may have to scrutinize Street View looking for ramps and other signs that you can get in. However, you won't have to worry about freedom of movement so much from now on. Thanks to spare time work from Google Drive product manager Rio Akasaka, Google Maps now mentions wheelchair accessibility when it's available. Local Guides (that is, users who answer questions about places they visit) have provided enough answers about access that Google will now display it as an amenity on a location page.
Apple Maps displays nationwide Amtrak train routes
Prefer to travel cross-country by rail? If you're an iPhone owner, you no longer need to fire up a third-party app to plan your trip. Apple Maps has introduced support for Amtrak train routes across North America -- if you want to navigate all the way from Los Angeles to Toronto while seeing the sights, you can make it happen. You'll need to live in an area where Apple's mass transit directions are available, of course, but this remains a big deal if you're more interested in how you travel than the time it takes.
Windows 10 Maps will show the traffic on your route home
Fans of the Maps app on Windows 10 will have something to look forward to with its latest update. Now, you can see what the roads are like either to home or work (or whatever locations you've labeled as such) and even take a gander at realtime traffic from recently viewed roadside cameras. Just hit the traffic icon from the app's menu, according to the Windows 10 blog, and you're there. What's more, the app will follow your preferences for a night or day mode within the app and apparently change themes wholesale. Sure, Google Maps has had most of these features for a bit, but it's good to see that the Windows faithful have a few new toys to play around with.
