A Google Groups thread lead me to believe that Google Maps will soon be offering walking directions to everyone, in the near future. So, I decided to check the example I was watching, i.e. 200 Madison Ave to 200 Lexington Ave in New York and I see walking directions!

I lead off this post that this was coming soon, but it is now here, at least for me.

Yes, I covered signs of this at Search Engine Land, where Google Operating System had screen captures of Google testing out walking directions within Google Maps. Again, now I personally see it, do you?

Here is a screen shot of the NY example I mentioned above:

For a full size screen shot, check the image on Flickr.

So, when Maps Guide Brian from Google said in the Google Groups thread "stay tuned here for updates," in regards to the release of walking directions, then I guess he means now?

Forum discussion at Google Groups.

Update: Everyone I asked to try my example above was able to see walking directions. I have several responses already at my Plurk request, so it seems like this is indeed live.

Update 2 (at 1:45pm): The Google LatLong Blog has now officially made it official with one of their own blog posts announcing the new feature.