Cycling routes now also available on Google Maps

Finally!!!

After cars, public transport and walking, Google Maps also includes the "Bike" option to be able to plan cycle routes.

The news of this new feature has certainly made many users who use bicycles as their main means of daily travel happy, as the navigation app suggests the best possible route to reach their destination.

On the company's official blog we read:

“People around the world are increasingly choosing sustainable mobility. Since February, requests for cycling directions on Google Maps have increased by 69%, reaching an all-time high in June. Whether people are hitting the road on their bikes for pleasure or getting around safely due to Covid-19, we're making it easier for cyclists everywhere to get on their bikes."

It is no news now that, especially after Covid and thanks to state incentives, the use of bicycles has become increasingly central in people's lives and, consequently, also the need for infrastructure and indications on cycle routes.

Since the first lockdown, in fact, many people have preferred the use of e-bikes for their daily travels rather than the use of the car or public transport, making it necessary to support indications dedicated to cycling.

To try to provide reliable and updated cycling routes, Google used combinations of machine learning, complex algorithms, user reports but also images and data provided by local authorities, deep learning and neural networks.

The routes are also designed based on degree of difficulty: it will be possible for users, in fact, to understand how flat or arduous the route will be, so as to know whether or not they are ready to take it.

Finally, the new function also takes into account the estimated travel times. The times on an e-bike, unlike those by car, are not affected by traffic jams, slowdowns, unexpected events and the search for parking.

Traveling by bike, therefore, as well as being cheaper and healthier, also solves problems of stress from traffic and air pollution.

We hope that this new map integration will support you for more constant and daily use of the e-bike!