Google Street Views Takes to a Tricycle

Google's map-makers turn to a custom Google Trike to reach those nooks and crannies around the globe.

By Melissa J. Perenson, PCWorld

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Skinny Scout

Here, as the Trike winds its way through Rome, it demonstrates its versatility and maneuvering advantage over a car on this windy, narrow cobblestone street.

Sightseeing Along the Way

The Trike is fully tricked out with the necessary camera recording gear, with a camera rising up from the mount at the rear. Even the Trike gets to do some sightseeing at the Fountain of Trevi in Rome.

Packed for Business

The Trike is clearly identified -- there's no mistaking what this Trike is up to. Hope that box where the gear is stored is secured for those times its driver needs to take an espresso break.

Early Rising (With Camera)

When the Trike is taken into such popular, famously pedestrian-congested areas as the Fountain of Trevi in Rome, well, it becomes even clearer how Google manages to complete its mission: It does so in the early morning hours, before most of the tourists have boarded their tour buses, and before the locals are active enough to get in the way. Note the morning light in the above image.

Hanging with the Locals

Even the Google Trike needs a break during its touring day. Here, the Google Trike fits right in with locals. Sort of. Since it lacks a windshield, I wonder where the driver stashes his parking meter receipt (does a tricycle even incur the same kind of parking fine as a motorcycle would?).

Squeezing Through

The Trike is off again, pursuing its mission to capture every corner of world, image-by-image. As the Trike traverses this narrow, cobblestoned street, it goes where cars wouldn’t dare.

Watch out Above

But not all is smooth cruising , , , whoops! The TrikeCam needs watch those low-hanging branches!

Skinny Scout

Here, as the Trike winds its way through Rome, it demonstrates its versatility and maneuvering advantage over a car on this windy, narrow cobblestone street.

Hitting the Road

Everything is in bloom, and the weather is warm . . . it's definitely riding weather, so don’t be surprised if you encounter a Google Street Views Trike rider like the one pictured above.Also see Strangest Sights in Google Street Views" and The Wild Side of Google Street View"