Google adds bikeshare docking info, live bike availability to Maps

Google has added docked bikeshare information to Maps. Image: Giorgio Fochesato/Istock.com via AFP Relaxnews

To add even more practicality to their navigation app for bicycle users — particularly bikesharing riders — Google Maps will now display docked bikeshare information on stations along their journey from start to finish.

Navigation itineraries will now include walking directions to bikesharing stations, show a live count of how many vehicles are available, and provide walking directions from the final station to one’s destination. In select cities, the application will also present users with links to the services with which they can book or unlock a bike.

These robust directions will be rolling out first to 10 cities over the next few weeks: Chicago, New York City, San Francisco Bay Area, Washington DC, London, Mexico City, Montreal, Rio De Janeiro, São Paulo, Taipei and New Taipei City.

As bikesharing providers have modified their usage policies in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, riders should double-check both company and community guidelines on how to properly handle the vehicles in the coronavirus era. CL

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