Google Maps: Bike navigation - how it works

In Google Maps, you can not only have a route calculated for your trips by car, but also use the app for bike navigation. How to proceed correctly to create a new route for your bike ride in Google Maps, we explain here.

How to use Google Maps to navigate in bike mode

When you use the Google Maps app for navigation, the route planner gives you the option to set which vehicle you use. In addition to car and public transport, you can thus use Google Maps to plan your bike tours.

1. To use Google Maps for bike navigation, please start the app first and enter your current location.
2. Tap then on the "arrow icon" to open a new window and type there the destination of your bike tour.
3. After selecting the destination, Google Maps starts calculating the route and shows you up to three route suggestions.
4. As Google Maps is in Auto mode by default, please tap the "Bike icon" below the destination entry to switch to Bike mode.
5. To start your tour, select one of the route suggestions and tap "Start".

Google Maps: So bike navigation is also possible offline

If you do not have an Internet connection during your bike tour, Google offers you the option to use offline maps for navigation. To use this feature, please open the app, tap on the "target cross icon" and go to "Offline maps" > "Choose your own map" in the menu. Then pick the right map section and download it to your smartphone by selecting "Download".