Due to the increase in bicycle travel since the beginning of the pandemic, Google Maps has just announced on its blog the integration of a new option. Indeed, according to Maps, the number of bicycle routes has jumped by 69%. A record number that has prompted them to undertake new developments. Zoom on this new feature allowing users to know in real time the availability and number of bike-sharing ! Even to book them in certain cities!
Goal : Facilitate access and travel on bike in the city
After evaluating the traffic on public transport, Google Maps is still focusing on the experience of its users. Especially in this POST-COVID period. Indeed, the Mountain View group has just announced the integration of a new option in its navigation application. From the location of stations to the number of available spaces, users will be able to anticipate their next bike trips as well as possible.
Although Google Maps has been providing bike routes for the past ten years, it now makes it even easier to get around town by bike. Indeed, when planning their itinerary, users will be directed to the nearest station where they can get a bike or scooter. This way, people who don’t have a bike can more easily opt for a gentle alternative. In addition, it should be noted that when planning the route, the application will also take into account the drop-off location.
A lot of collaboration in this project
In order to provide the most accurate information in real time, Google Maps decided to collaborate with Ito World and many partner operators such as Lyft. Partnerships allowing them to experiment this new functionality, in a closed beta, in 11 cities. These are as follows:
- Chicago, U.S. (Divvy/Lyft)
- New York City, U.S. (Citi Bike/Lyft)
- San Francisco Bay Area, U.S. (Bay Wheels/Lyft)
- Washington, DC, U.S. (Capital Bikeshare/Lyft)
- London, England (Santander Cycles/TfL)
- Mexico City, Mexico (Ecobici)
- Montreal, Canada (BIXI/Lyft)
- Rio De Janeiro, Brazil (Bike Itaú)
- São Paulo, Brazil (Bike Itaú)
- Taipei and New Taipei City, Taiwan (YouBike)
At present, only these cities are concerned. But as announced by Google, this should “We are actively working with other partners to bring this functionality to other cities in the coming months”.
