Google street view camera trike sighted in Portland this week

The Google Trike snaps images
for their StreetView feature.
(Photo: Google)

It looks like Google Streetview will soon be coming to a bike path near you.

We first reported back in June on the buzz about Google’s new mapping tricycles — intended to capture streetview footage of roads where cars can’t go.

Since then, we’ve been wondering when the trikes will start showing up on Portland streets. Last week, we heard the first rumor, via Twitter, of a street view trike appearance on the Springwater Corridor near SE 112th.

Yesterday, reader Marc Schuette got in touch about another sighting, and included a video clip of the trike in action. Check it out after the jump.

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Schuette wrote:

“I was biking out near Airport Way on [the I-205 bike path] a couple of hours ago and came across the Google Maps Bike. He was riding the ramps up and down from Airport Way to the 205 multi-use path. He’s part of a team from San Diego that trucks the bike(s) around and rides/maps. The setup weighs 300 lbs and he rode 20 miles yesterday.”

Here’s the quick video he took:


– Also check out our in-depth story last month about the emergence of online bike route planning systems, including rumors of Google involvement.

Photo of author

Elly Blue (Columnist)

Elly Blue has been writing about bicycling and carfree issues for BikePortland.org since 2006. Find her at http://takingthelane.com

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michael downes
michael downes
14 years ago

sweeet!

Aaron
14 years ago

I went on google maps to see if street view was available on the springwater or 205 paths, not yet but hopefully soon

chris
14 years ago

Does anybody else think that this is creepy?

(side note – somebody get these guys clipless pedals)

Todd Bouanger
Todd Bouanger
14 years ago

I wonder if they will try crossing the Interstate Bridge? A regular trailer or bakfiets can make it across.

Ed Manning
14 years ago

On my ride home on Friday this google trike was on the Steel Bridge crossing from the East Side to the West Side. It was a bit of a tight fit but it worked. It seems to have some electrical motor that helps assit the drive from pedaling…Ed

Bob_M
Bob_M
14 years ago

I saw him on Friday under the Marquam Bridge. Yes it is creepy. Google street view have been drummed out of several towns, and are under an injunction in Switzerland for violation of privacy rights.

Just cause they use a bike, does not mean I want them taking photos of my property.

Paul
Paul
14 years ago

I saw him Friday as well; he was heading northbound between OMSI and the Hawthorne Bridge. At a distance, it looked like a loud-speaker setup. It was only when I was close to crossing his path that I realized the tower held cameras. I figured it was Google, but I didn’t turn around to ask.

ryan
14 years ago

it must be nice to have enough money to do crazy things. (that’s not a criticism)

Anonymous 2
Anonymous 2
14 years ago

If you don’t want your house on Streetview you can contact Google and request its removal.

I did it and the request was granted. My house does not show up on Streetview.

Pete
Pete
14 years ago

“Does anybody else think that this is creepy?”

Big Brother is drafting you! Smile for the cameras… like Google are the only folks taking pictures of us…

Shake
Shake
14 years ago

If you’re worried about privacy now, it’s a little too late.

John in NHj
14 years ago

it normally takes about 6 months for the google data to be compiled edited, eg facial and number recognition bluring, any requests such as sensitive businesses or homes and so forth.

and I am not so concerned with privacy really, anybody could find who you are and follow you home with little trouble, google maps is not going to make it easier…

peejay
peejay
14 years ago

I find it a little creepy that people find it creepy that, yes, people can see the same thing they’d see if they were walking down your (public) street!

This is not like the CCTV’s all over Britain, which do raise legitimate privacy issues, because the output of those cameras is used in various secret ways by the police and other authorities for their own nefarious purposes. Google streetview is public, and anyone can use it, just like anyone can walk down the street. I believe such public and free dissemination of information can add to one’s freedoms, not take them away. If you want to fight the loss of privacy, that’s a legitimate and worthy battle, but you’re picking the wrong target.

Marc
14 years ago

I have a second video on YouTube from the same sighting. Not much different except you can see the setup from a little different angle(s).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sP6gCVRnTu8

benschon
benschon
14 years ago

Jeez, that looks like hard work. Who says cartography is all about sitting behind a computer?

anonymousbikemessenger
anonymousbikemessenger
14 years ago

Pop a wheelie!

tom
14 years ago

The Google mapping was on the westside Springwater today around noon just opposite Oaks Bottom

Dottie
14 years ago

I want that job!

Paul Tay
14 years ago

Man, if I see da google trike, I might be tempted to lure the driver with a 100 dolla bill into a back alley, make him put his undershorts over his head, and steal bike! Dat’s one hot damn SCHWEEEEEEEEEET ride.

coyote
coyote
14 years ago

It think it is far creepier that some think they can control what can be photographed from a public right of way. It is called free speech and google or who ever has a right to do it.

Anonymous
Anonymous
14 years ago

I love to do that! great job Google!

Mundano
14 years ago

You can do it. All cities in U.S.A. Street View:

U.S.A. Street View

Best regards,