How to Use Google Maps Cycling Directions

This article explains how to view and customize bicycle routes on Google Maps, which has compiled a vast amount of data on bike lanes, paths, and bike-friendly streets. Instructions cover Google Maps on the desktop and the Google Maps mobile app for iOS and Android.

How to Select a Bicycle-Friendly Route in Google Maps

Choosing a route for cycling is as easy as picking the Cycling option as the map mode instead of another option you might be more aware of, like the one for driving or walking.

1. Pick a starting location. Do this by entering a location into the search box or right-clicking somewhere on the map and choosing the Directions from here option.

2. Do the same for the destination, picking Directions to here through the right-click menu or typing an address into the destination box.

3. Select Cycling as your mode of transportation from the icons at the top of the screen, and if you have the option to do so, click Directions to find a suitable path.

4. Take note on what the map presents to you. The Google bike route map and any suggested alternative routes give a set of directions to avoid divided highways and roads that do not permit bicyclists.

5. To choose an alternate route, select the one from the map that you'd rather use. The route(s) include the distance and estimated cycling time. In the destination panel is a comment on whether the route is flat.

6. After you choose the bike route, use the Send directions to your phone link in the destination panel to send the directions to your phone for turn-by-turn directions as you travel or use the DETAILS button in the left pane to find the print option if you want to print out the directions.

This approach gives you a bicycle-friendly route, but for detailed information on routes that are available for cyclists, Google Maps provides a specialized map.

How to View Bicycle-Friendly Roads and Paths in Google Maps

Google Maps offers specialized maps just for cyclists. When you use this kind of map, you see several features not available in the regular Google Maps view. It's especially handy for locating bike lanes and trails you weren't aware of in your neighborhood.

1. Begin with Google Maps open and with nothing entered into the search field. 

2. Open the menu button at the top left corner of Google Maps, just to the left of the empty search box.

3. Choose Bicycling from that menu to bring up a map marked up specifically for cyclists.

4. If you want to see bicycling directions using this map view, return to the steps listed above.

Here's how to read this bicycle map:

• Bike trails are indicated by dark green lines and do not permit motor vehicles.
• Streets with dedicated cycling lanes are indicated by light green lines.
• Bicycle-friendly roads without dedicated lanes are indicated by dashed light green lines.
• Dirt or unpaved trails are indicated by brown lines.

Bike Route Planner in the Google Maps App

Routes customized for cyclists are also available on the Google Maps mobile app on Android and iOS.

To get there, enter a destination, tap the Directions option, and then choose the bicycle icon at the top to switch away from the other travel modes.

Problems With Google Maps' Bike Routes

It might seem great at first to prepare your bike route with Google Maps, but remember that it works much like it does when setting up driving routes. In other words, Google Maps might give you the quickest route but not necessarily the best one for you.

Maybe you want a quiet route to your bike ride or one that's more scenic but not necessarily the fastest. Keep this in mind when preparing a bicycle route with Google Maps because you might end up needing to do some digging yourself to customize the route to suit you.

Google Maps might even do the opposite and put you on a safe route away from traffic, but that route is probably a lot slower than other routes that might be deemed a little less safe.

The idea here is to look closely at the Google Maps suggestions for your cycling route. Personalize the route for you and how you want to reach your destination. Also, think about where you can park your bike. Google Maps doesn't include that information.