Google Mapping Your Evac Options

I'm organizing a group walk and started playing around with Google Maps' settings and for the first time explored what routes the mapping software recommends for walking or bicycling from my house to various friends' places in the Virginia and Maryland suburbs. I previously had usually considered routes in terms of driving.

It was an illuminating exercise. I then had Google Map calculate a walking route and a bicycling route to get me from DC (where I live) to Oregon (where my sister lives).

Very different results.

Walking -- the journey would take 899 hours (not including sleep, blisters, etc.) and 2,735 miles. Was surprised the walking route doesn't put me on the C&O Canal, but the bicycling route does until a bit past Harper's Ferry.

https://goo.gl/maps/YsyuDu1nAj82


Bicycling -- the journey would take 260 hours (no sleep, etc) or 3,067 miles.

https://goo.gl/maps/5YahLk67SHJ2


These functions of Google Map do have utility for evacuating in certain situations. So I will be running some more scenarios that get me to or beyond the Beltway. So far, I'm looking at 4-5 hours to walk to some of my best friends homes near the Beltway in Virginia or 1 1/2 hours to bicycle.

I'd opt to bicycle with my dog in her bike trailer. It probably would be quicker than driving in a crisis that prompts a mass evacuation.

But I'd much rather shelter-in with a fully-stocked kitchen.... ;-)


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It is good to see you break the 900 hour barrier on the walking route. It looks like you will come very close to Hot Springs, S. D. If you are by in July, stop and say hello. The town has lots of nice places to stay, unlike some portions of your route.

Lol! Think my boots will wear out before Chicago.

:-)

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Looks like you'll be passing through my neck of the woods, too. Let me know and I'll come check out your bugout cargo bike! Heck, I want to see Portland. Maybe I'll join you.

seems like a good idea to preplan your routes and times...

It has definitely proven useful in most of my evac route planning.

I use GM mostly to figure out the best way to an REI store (to purchase more emergency stuff, including flashlights).

I created an Emergency Medical Action Plan for the rural range my group shoots at, using printed maps from Google to designate primary and secondary routes to each of our primary and secondary hospitals.