Over the years, biking has seen an increase as being the preferred mode of transportation, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Google Maps first introduced biking directions ten years ago and now, they have announced updated biking route information and new end-to-end directions that include docked bikeshare information.
Google will now combine their machine learning techniques with imagery and data from government authorities and community contributions to provide the most up-to date biking route. Maps will now show additional information such as how flat or steep the route will be and if there are poor surface conditions along the route.
The second feature that Google is adding to Maps is end-to-end directions for bikesharing users. It will now show detailed walking directions to the nearest bikeshare stations along with live bike availability, turn-by-turn cycling directions to the bikeshare station closest to the destination with live dock availability, and then, walking directions to the destination.
Google has partnered with various bikesharing vendors to bring this feature in 10 cities. These include:
- Chicago, U.S. (Divvy/Lyft)
- New York City, U.S. (Citi Bike/Lyft)
- San Francisco Bay Area, U.S. (Bay Wheels/Lyft)
- Washington, DC, U.S. (Capital Bikeshare/Lyft)
- London, England (Santander Cycles/TfL)
- Mexico City, Mexico (Ecobici)
- Montreal, Canada (BIXI/Lyft)
- Rio De Janeiro, Brazil (Bike Itaú)
- São Paulo, Brazil (Bike Itaú)
- Taipei and New Taipei City, Taiwan (YouBike)
Both the features will be available starting today on the Google Maps for Desktop, Android and iOS.