The latest Google Maps update adds real-time bike-sharing locations in 24 cities, and users can even view how many bike a spot has at any given moment.
The company is now rolling out this new integration, offering users new information on docked bike-sharing service such as Citi Bike right from within the app.
Google Maps And Bike Sharing
The new feature makes use of a fee of global bike-sharing information provided by Ito World, an outfit that provides information on where to find bike-sharing stations, how many bikes there are, and whether or not there's an empty space at their destination on which to dock their bikes when they arrive.
Google has been testing the feature in New York City for the last year, and now it's ready to expand it to 23 more cities. Below is a list of places where this feature is available now:
• Barcelona
• Berlin
• Brussels
• Budapest
• Chicago
• Dublin
• Hamburg
• Helsinki
• Kaohsiung
• London
• Los Angeles
• Lyon
• Madrid
• Mexico City
• Montreal
• New Taipei City
• Rio de Janeiro
• San Francisco Bay Area
• São Paulo
• Toronto
• Vienna
• Warsaw
• Zurich
This new feature makes Google Maps an even more powerful tool for people who want to commute more efficiently. Apart from being able to view bike-sharing locations, users can also take advantage of the app to see real-time information on the availability of EV charging stations.
Google says there's an estimated 1,600 bike-sharing systems and more than 18 million shared bikes in urban centers worldwide, adding that bike-sharing "has gone mainstream."
"Whether you're traveling in a new city or planning your daily commute, Google Maps is making it easier to weigh all your transportation options with real-time information," Google says in a blog post. "Just like how we show you when buses and trains are coming and going in Google Maps, you'll now know which bikeshare stations have a bike ready for you."
What's In Store
Adding bike-sharing locations isn't the first time Google has embraced shared vehicles. In December 2018, Google Maps gained a feature that directs users toward shared Lime scooters and bikes. Vehicle-sharing features will likely continue making their way to the app from here on out.
The new feature is available on Google Maps for both Android and iOS. The app is available as a free download on both platforms. Beyond the 24 cities mentioned above, Google is planning to expand the feature to more cities moving forward. Make sure to check back with Tech Times as we learn more.
