Google Maps will
now show directions using rented bikes from docked bike-share schemes such as
Citi Bike and Santander Cycles. This new feature has been added after cycling recently
started being promoted in different cities during the current pandemic for
people to move around in an environmentally friendly way while maintaining
social distancing.
According to
Google, the company has observed a 69% rise in the number of requests made for
cycling directions through Maps since February. Cycle-share schemes are a convenient
alternative for riding around on your own bike. Therefore, Google Maps’ new
cycle-share route functionality will help you find docked bikes available for
use.
This new feature
in Maps spots a nearby dock and gives you walking directions to reach it,
cycling directions from one dock to another, and walking directions back to
your destination from the dock.
The feature is set
to be available to 10 cities within the coming weeks. The cities mentioned are
Chicago, New York, the San Francisco Bay Area, London, Washington DC, Montreal,
Mexico City, Sau Paulo, Rio De Janeiro, Taipei and the New Taipei City. More cities
will be added to the list in the next few months.
