Google Maps is working on adding new routes that incorporate bikes share services Following the surge in biking direction requests last month.
The google biking directions was launched 10 years ago and is currently available in nearly 30 countries around the world. While demand goes high especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most people are opting to go for riding as a way of exercising.
Google says”As biking habits change, especially as things evolve with COVID-19. We’re constantly updating this information to help you uncover the most reliable bike route.”
“We will also consider various forms of bike lanes and nearby streets. That might be less friendly for your two wheels. So you can have the best and smoothest biking route. You can also see how flat or steep your route will be. So you’ll know if you’re in for an easy-breezy ride or one that will really get the heart pumping.”
The new routes will incorporate end-to-end directions that include docked bike share information. Steps will include detailed walking directions to bike-share stations near your starting point along with live bike availability, turn-by-turn cycling directions to the bike-share station closest to your destination with live dock availability. It will also give you walking directions from there to your final destination.
For some cities, Maps will show you links to open the relevant bike-share app to book and unlock the bike. The option is currently rolling out in 10 cities. This includes, Chicago, New York City, London, Montreal, Mexico City, Rio De Janeiro, and San Francisco Bay Area. Other cities include Washington DDC, Taipei and New Taipei City.
Google uses a combination of machine learning, complex algorithms and the understanding of real-world conditions. Which are based on imagery and data from government authorities and community contributions that give users better ways to move around and also make life easier for cyclists.
As at now, Google is working to integrate hundreds of thousands of new bike lanes in the coming months. Local government agencies will be able to provide this data through Google’s Geo Data Upload tool to have their latest bike lane information reflected in Google Maps.