Are you looking to explore more routes while cycling?
Google Maps have got your back–and has introduced a new cycling navigation feature that is the first in Southeast Asia. This covers more than 6,800 km of cycling routes and biking directions in Singapore. Launched on November 8, it is available for both desktop and mobile (iOS and Android) platforms.
This new feature will include step-by-step cycling directions, information about green corridors linking major parks across the island, and recommended bicycle-friendly routes.
And Singapore is the first nation to use this new feature. Such features are welcoming as there has been a huge influx in searches for cycling routes in Singapore since the pandemic.
This new feature will help cyclists explore different cycling routes, track their progress, get updates on arrival times in real-times, and track the elevation of the route to stay focused on the track.
The Land Transport Authority and the National Parks Board have provided the data around 500km of roads and paths, enabling the cyclists to track dedicated cycling routes and avoid tunnels and expressways.
The past few years have seen the use of biking directions on Google Maps going up to 98 per cent in cities across the world.
Ms Cordula Oertel, the head of Google for geo partnerships in Southeast Asia, opines–
“In Singapore, we’ve seen a huge spike in searches on Google for cycling routes, with a jump of 75 per cent from 2020, and an increase of 400 per cent from 2019, so it’s clear that Singaporeans are keen to get on their bikes.”
Mr Chia Seng Jiang, Group Director, Parks East, National Parks Board said, “The launch of cycling directions on Google Maps will help more Singaporeans explore our green spaces easily on two wheels and in turn, benefit from the positive effects of nature on their mental and physical health and well-being.”
