Google Maps updates with new features for bike sharing and for all bike enthusiasts. Here’s what’s changing and where they’re available
Google has announced an important new update for Maps, the app dedicated to driving directions: in 10 cities around the world (Italy is not included for the moment) new features have arrived, designed specifically for bike lovers. 10 years after the arrival of the directions dedicated to the bike route, Google Maps releases one of its most important updates: in a historical period in which the use of sustainable means, such as bicycles, e-bikes and electric scooters, is clearly growing, the app wants to offer a service even more on a human scale.
The Covid-19 has changed many habits and has seen an inexorable increase in the use of bicycles, but at the same time many routes have been modified by individual municipalities to comply with social distancing or to increase the kilometers available for bike lanes. For this reason, Big G has decided to improve the application, inserting ad hoc information for bike lovers. In addition to the fact that the maps will be updated more frequently with directions designed specifically for riders, the app now also shows ad hoc information about bike sharing services. Here’s what’s new.
Google Maps, new features for cyclists
In order to encourage the use of bicycles for travel within cities, Google has decided to update Maps with ad hoc features. The greatest difficulty is to offer indications with the most up-to-date bike route and also less demanding: for this reason the Mountain View company has fielded all its capabilities and will use artificial intelligence and machine learning to constantly update the maps. In addition, a platform will be made available to individual communities where they can upload any changes or the development of new bike lanes.
Updates will also be made with regard to the use of bike sharing services that have been increasing in recent years. Using Google Maps, users will be able to get information on how to reach the various stations, or if there are any available nearby. Finally, through Google Maps you can automatically open the bike sharing app to book and unlock the bike.
Google Maps, in which cities is the new update available
Unfortunately these new features are not available for all users, but at the moment only in 10 cities: Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Washington, London, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Mexico City, Montreal and Taipei. In the future it will surely arrive in major European cities, including Rome and Milan.