[meirelles]

Google Maps always do that in Brazil, it's so annoying.

It recommends alternative routes to "save" you a couple of minutes. Dirt tracks, unmantained roads and sometimes danger neighborhoods (favelas).

They should fix the algo to prefer the main roads and streets. At least give a configurable threshold. It seems quite doable with all GPS data/street images they have.

[PurpleFoxy]

Because then all the news and Twitter blue checkmarks explode after seeing google routes them around poor areas.

[crooked-v]

Generally it's the other way around, with people in residential areas (of any wealth level) unhappy if cars are routed through the neighborhood, for obvious 'this is not supposed to be a through street' reasons.