Long time user of the app. Personally I like review rides I have taken on here sometimes. Trailforks is very janky difficult to use. But even in plotting routes, the app has a very difficult time with some simple detours etc. For example lets say it suggests a route and I want to make a stop at point B to C, the app will route the path the long way around, adding upwards of 20 minutes. Even though I know there is a short cut through an alley way or stairwell or trail etc that would take 1 minute. Sometimes these alternate paths even appear on the map but the plotter will not snap to them. So I think it would be great if you could freely place points to go through trail systems and the like. Especially since not all are mapped and 90% of the time they are the safest way, which is the point of the app.
Comments
Ryan, that option exists on the website version - the 'Direct to' feature. You should find more info on the FAQs under 'Advanced Features'.
You don't give any example routes so it's only speculation but the likely source of the issue is incorrect data in OpenStreetMaps (which you can edit yourself) or, and more likely given the use of 'stairwell', that the alternate path is not suitable (or legal) for bikes.
In any case, I'd recommend the website (usable on your phone) for anything but the simplest routes.
If there are routes you regularly use but don't exist on the map, I definitely recommend adding learning to add them to OpenStreetMap yourself. The work will benefit not just you, but anybody who uses any OpenStreetMap-based app!
Just make sure you map things accurately though: don't map something as a bike path if it's not legal for bikes. Cycle.travel will still suggest it as a "get off a push" section if it saves a giant detour.
Thanks! I never noticed that option before.