Did You Know? Google Maps Gives You Directions Between Bikeshare Docks
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below."
On July 20, Google announced in a blog post that Maps users in 10 major cities will be able to access a new feature that provides directions between bikeshare docks. This will allow Google Maps users to more easily plan their route using bikeshares from within the app.
Previously, bikeshare locations and real-time bike availability were viewable from within the app in numerous major cities—a feature introduced a year ago—though not as an integrated function of a direct route. Now, you’ll be able to ask the app how to get from point A to point B while simultaneously seeing your bikeshare options, much like you can under the public transit tab.
“Steps will include detailed walking directions to bikeshare stations near your starting point along with live bike availability, turn-by-turn cycling directions to the bikeshare station closest to your destination with live dock availability, and, finally, walking directions from there to your final destination,” the blog post said.
[Want to fly up hills? Climb! gives you the workouts and mental strategies to conquer your nearest peak.]
The new feature is being introduced first to the following cities “over the coming weeks”: New York City; Washington, D.C.; Chicago; San Francisco; Mexico City; Montreal; London; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; São Paolo, Brazil; and Taipei City, Taiwan.
In some cities users will also be able to proceed directly to a bikeshare’s app from within the Google Maps app, according to the Google post.
Biking directions were first added to Google Maps back in March 2010. Using street and bike lane map data from government agencies, nonprofits, and others, Google’s algorithm for calculating routes prioritizes using bike lanes and bike-friendly roads. The routes purposefully avoid major hills, tunnels, and roads in poor condition, while still offering the most direct and timely options.
Google will be continuing to improve its data on bike friendly routes, especially since cities around the world are installing more bike lanes in response to the current bike boom spurred by the coronavirus pandemic.
Get unlimited access to bike news, tips, best gear and more from Bicycling
In addition to the new feature announcement, Google shared a few insightful statistics indicative of the bike boom. Last month, Google Maps set a record for biking directions “requests” which has risen by 69 percent since February of this year. The worldwide search query for “bike repair near me” also set a record in July, doubling from this time last year.
You Might Also Like
