How to Select a Bicycle-Friendly Route in Google Maps
Choosing a route for cycling is as easy as picking the Cycling option as the map mode instead of another option you might be more aware of, like the one for driving or walking. This approach gives you a bicycle-friendly route, but for detailed information on routes that are available for cyclists, Google Maps provides a specialized map.
How to View Bicycle-Friendly Roads and Paths in Google Maps
Google Maps offers specialized maps just for cyclists. When you use this kind of map, you see several features not available in the regular Google Maps view. It’s especially handy for locating bike lanes and trails you weren’t aware of in your neighborhood. Here’s how to read this bicycle map:
Bike trails are indicated by dark green lines and do not permit motor vehicles.Streets with dedicated cycling lanes are indicated by light green lines.Bicycle-friendly roads without dedicated lanes are indicated by dashed light green lines.Dirt or unpaved trails are indicated by brown lines.
Bike Route Planner in the Google Maps App
Routes customized for cyclists are also available on the Google Maps mobile app on Android and iOS. To get there, enter a destination, tap the Directions option, and then choose the bicycle icon at the top to switch away from the other travel modes.
Problems With Google Maps’ Bike Routes
It might seem great at first to prepare your bike route with Google Maps, but remember that it works much like it does when setting up driving routes. In other words, Google Maps might give you the quickest route but not necessarily the best one for you. Maybe you want a quiet route to your bike ride or one that’s more scenic but not necessarily the fastest. Keep this in mind when preparing a bicycle route with Google Maps because you might end up needing to do some digging yourself to customize the route to suit you. Google Maps might even do the opposite and put you on a safe route away from traffic, but that route is probably a lot slower than other routes that might be deemed a little less safe. The idea here is to look closely at the Google Maps suggestions for your cycling route. Personalize the route for you and how you want to reach your destination. Also, think about where you can park your bike. Google Maps doesn’t include that information.
