Google Maps Misdirects French Cyclists to Bareilly Instead of Nepal
Google Maps provided incorrect navigation to two French cyclists, directing them via a shortcut that led them off course from Delhi to Nepal, resulting in them becoming lost and stranded at Churail Dam in Bareilly at night. Local villagers alerted police, who provided assistance and correct directions.
What happened
On 8 January 2025, two French cyclists, Brian Jakes Gilbert and Sebastien Francais Grabeaul, departed Delhi for Kathmandu, Nepal by bicycle using Google Maps for navigation. Google Maps directed them via a shortcut through Bareilly's Baheidi area instead of the intended route through Pilibhit to Tanakpur.
The cyclists became lost and arrived at Churail Dam near Baheidi at night. Local villagers saw them and mistook their helmet torches for alien signals, reporting them to police. Officers brought them to the police station, where language barriers initially prevented clear communication. Senior Police Superintendent Anurag Arya intervened, and police provided correct directions towards Tanakpur the next morning.
Reported impact
The cyclists were misdirected significantly from their intended route and became stranded in a remote area at night. Local residents experienced alarm upon encountering the foreigners in the isolated location.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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