As you may have noticed, Google maps now has a "get directions" option using cycling, to add to its walking, public transport and driving options. The feature is "in beta" meaning that it's being tested in real life use. Google are openly crowd-sourcing correctiona and improvements. This is not a bad thing in itself, except that
(i) Google's map layers are on a bas map created by TeleAtlas, which also accept corrections/amendments.
(ii) There are several other "get directions" options on the web, which having come into existence before Google's offering, have already made much progress with gathering user generated information.
In addition to Google, some contenders are: Cyclestreets.net, transportdirect.info and tfl.gov.uk/cycling. (This excludes cycle route maps, both on line and offline. These show predetermined links on a base map, to help you piece together a route in the traditional way.)
These each have their merits and demerits, but I personally think cyclestreets.net is the pick of the bunch.
What's clear is that there should be collaboration here, rather than rival/parallel offerings.
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