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Google Maps for Android adds turn-by-turn navigation for bicyclists

A new version 6.11.1 update for the Google Maps Navigation app fills the navigation void for pedal-powered users.

Antuan Goodwin Reviews Editor / Cars
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Expertise Reviewing cars and car technology since 2008 focusing on electrification, driver assistance and infotainment Credentials
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Antuan Goodwin
Screenshot by Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Google Maps 6.11.1
After clicking the new, blue navigation arrow, cyclists can get turn-by-turn directions. Screenshot by Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Google Maps for Android has offered turn-by-turn directions for automotive use since 2009. It wasn't long until walking navigation was added in 2010. Finally, transit direction made the jump to turn-by-turn navigation back in June of this year. Today, with the version 6.11.1 update to the Google Maps app, cyclists can get in on the turn-by-turn fun with the addition of bicycle route navigation.

Cyclists will be able to view turn-by-turn directions on a live updating map after selecting a destination and affixing their phone onto the handle bars, or they can simply listen to the spoken directions from the phone's speaker or via a connected headset. Google claims that its Maps database now features over 330,000 miles of bicycle-friendly roads, which are marked by green lines on the map display, with more being added all the time. The bicycle-friendly directions will stick to these roads and can even avoid steep hills if necessary. Dark-green lines indicated dedicated bike trails, medium-green roads feature bike lanes, and light green is for roads that are simply marked as bike friendly.

The turn-by-turn directions will stick closely to the bike-friendly roads and paths, marked by green lines. Screenshot by Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Now, Android users in the U.S., Canada, and 10 other countries can navigate via all four of Google Maps' routing methods. Google Maps with Navigation is a free download in the Google Play store.