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Google is rolling out new bike sharing information as part of its cycling route coverage in Google Maps. The new feature means users will be able to get directions using rented bikes from docked bike-share schemes like Divvy in Chicago and Santander Cycles in London.

docked_bike_google_maps.jpg

The new functionality means it will be possible to get end-to-end navigation routes that include walking directions to get to the nearest bike dock, cycling directions to get from one dock to another, and then walking directions to your intended destination.
Starting today, when you look up biking directions, you’ll see end-to-end directions that include docked bikeshare information. Steps will include detailed walking directions to bikeshare stations near your starting point along with live bike availability, turn-by-turn cycling directions to the bikeshare station closest to your destination with live dock availability, and, finally, walking directions from there to your final destination. And, for some cities, Maps will show you links to open the relevant bikeshare app to book and unlock the bike.
The functionality is rolling out over the coming weeks, after which users will be able to find docked bike share directions in the following 10 cities:
  • 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)
Google introduced biking directions in Google Maps ten years ago, and it's now available in nearly 30 countries. In iOS 14, Apple Maps route mapping will also consider bike lanes and dedicated cycling paths, and take elevation into account. The functionality will debut in the U.S. in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco Bay, and Shanghai in China.

Article Link: Google Maps Gains Docked Bikeshare Directions in 10 Cities
 

alekskop

macrumors newbie
Jul 20, 2020
2
0
I don't understand why everytime Apple, Google... needs to add functionality to New York, London and other well-advanced cities all the time. Why can't they rotate randomly. Like touching users from Balkans or Australia? What's wrong with them?
 
Jun 16, 2020
129
344
Would be nice to see Niceride added. It's the second largest bike-share program in the US and now owned by Lyft.
[automerge]1595335922[/automerge]
I don't understand why everytime Apple, Google... needs to add functionality to New York, London and other well-advanced cities all the time. Why can't they rotate randomly. Like touching users from Balkans or Australia? What's wrong with them?

Large cities mean bringing the benefit to the largest number of people.
 
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itsmilo

Suspended
Sep 15, 2016
3,985
8,731
Berlin, Germany
Not surprised we don’t have it in Berlin yet. Those bikes are almost literally flying around everywhere, but certainly not where they are supposed to be docked
 
  • Haha
Reactions: Dj64Mk7

genovelle

macrumors 68020
May 8, 2008
2,114
2,699
Google is years ahead of Apple in regards to maps... SAD!
How is it sad. Apple helped them build their maps up with iOS only to have Google stab them in the back by blocking functionality like turn by turn to make their new competing os have an edge. Apple started Apple Maps out of necessity. They actually prefer using partners to do what they do best, but are forced to take action when that partnership is abused. The lead Google had has been effectively erased. Now that Apple has done their own mapping and is no longer completely dependent on them or any third party for the mapping data, they will be able to move the resources to trounce them and eclipse any minor features Google may have that they don’t. They should not have wakened the sleeping bear.
 

Dj64Mk7

macrumors 65816
Sep 15, 2013
1,388
734
It really bothers me for some reason that Google couldn’t even be bothered to round the corners on the promotional screenshot.
 
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