Google Maps can now show you directions using rented bikes from bike-share schemes in major cities around the world, like London or New York.
If you have used Google Maps to cycle your way through the city using bike-share schemes like Citi Bike in New York or Santander Cycles in London, you will know the pain: where can you dock your bike back once you have reached your destination?
Related | Google Maps Helps You Find More Delivery And Takeout Options
Starting today, Google Maps will offer complete end-to-end cycling routes for bike-share users in 10 cities around the world: Chicago; New York City; the San Francisco Bay Area; Washington, DC; London; Mexico City; Montreal; Rio De Janeiro; São Paulo; and Taipei and New Taipei City — with more cities to be added in the coming months.
It works by giving walking directions to a nearby bike-share dock, cycling directions from there to another dock near your destination, and finally walking directions to your final destination. The new feature builds on Google Maps’ existing relationship with Ito World that lets you find docked bikes available for use, where available.
End-to-end routes for bike-share users arrive as cities across the world are pushing for people to consider bikes as the best, most environmentally friendly, solution to commuting. And of course, cycling is also an easier way to ensure you are socially distancing during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.
In fact, Google says that it has seen a 69% increase in requests for cycling direction on Google Maps since the beginning of the pandemic.
You might also like
More from Google
Google Replaces Classic Hangouts With Chat On Workspace
On March 22, users attempting to access Google's Hangouts chat services will automatically be redirected to Google Chat instead.
Google Rolls Out New Search Filters To All Users On Drive
Almost two years after introducing search chips into Gmail, Google has now announced the rollout of supportive filters to Google …
Google Unveils Early Access To Chrome OS Flex For PCs And Macs
Google has announced early access to Chrome OS Flex, a new version of Chrome OS that will bring the benefits …
Google Releases Free ‘Workspace Essentials Starter’ Plan
Google has announced that it is releasing a new free plan to allow users on other services to access basic …
New Google Chat Feature Tells You When A Message Is Deleted
The latest addition to Google Chat lets you see when other users delete their messages within a chat space.
Google Upgrades Smart Shopping And Local Campaigns To Performance Max
Starting this April, marketers can begin upgrading their Smart Shopping and Local campaigns to Performance Max.
Google Introduces Topics API To Replace FLoC
Google Privacy Sandbox is proposing a new interest-based system for advertising after FLoC, to meet its pledge of removing cookies …
Google: Account Hacks Drop 50 Percent Thanks To Default 2-Step Verification
Google announced that accounts hacks have dropped by 50% since it turned on two-factor authentication by default for all users.
Google Is Killing Off Free Legacy G Suite Accounts
This year, Google will automatically transition free G Suite Legacy edition users to a paid Workspace subscription.