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

After clicking the new, blue navigation arrow, cyclists can get turn-by-turn directions.

(Credit: 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.

(Credit: 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.