Apple has introduced a new feature with iOS 14.
In the new iOS 14, Apple Maps now comes with cycling directions to help cyclists find the best routes with bike lanes. Apple has expanded the cycling directions in its Maps app to users located in Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Charleston.
Apple Maps' New Feature Delighted Cyclists
Cyclists found the new Apple Maps' cycling directions quite useful, much to their delight. With the new feature, they can find the best routes with bike lanes.
This is a valuable update to Apple Maps.
Apple goes a step further by including in the app features which are useful if bikers will be using bike lanes or side roads on their route, a toggle to avoid busy roads or hills, and more.
Justin O'Beirne noted that the update began rolling out silently to users on April 15. Apple Maps now shows cycling directions in Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, and other Midwestern US cities.
According to Apple, the feature does not only provides the best bike routes. It also shows details such as elevation and how busy the road is, as well as options for avoiding routes with hills.
Cycling directions on Apple Maps was already available for regions such as California, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, London, and mainland China, according to 9to5mac.com.
O'Beirne's website stated that the feature had already been expanded to parts of the US Northeast since April 1 as part of Expansion #5.
Texas and the Gulf Coast will be the next areas to receive cycling directions on Apple Maps as O'Beirne predicted.
With this #Expansion 6, Apple Maps now provides cycling directions for 25.9% of US territory, with 51.8% of the country's population covered according to O'Beirne's website.
Read Also: New Apple Maps App Coming To iOS?
Getting Cycling Directions in Apple Maps
Apple Maps is fairly easy to use. In the Maps app, bikers can get detailed cycling directions.
The app offers routes on bike paths, bike lanes, and bike-friendly roads. The cyclists can preview the elevation for their ride, check how busy a road is, and choose a route that best avoids hills.
According to Apple, as cyclists travel along their route, Apple Maps speaks cycling-specific directions for turns and maneuvers. With a handlebar mount for iPhone, cyclists can glance at the directions on the iPhone screen, or with Apple Watch.
To start using Apple Maps, first, open the app and use the search bar to look for directions. Then, tap the new bicycle icon to change the route type.
Cyclists will see an elevation overview for the ride along with distance and estimated travel time if Apple Maps cycling directions are available in their location.
Cyclists can swipe up on the direction card to get toggles for avoiding busy roads or hills as well as reporting issues. Then, tap the elevation graph/time estimate to see route details before you start the guidance feature.
Finally, tap "GO" when you're ready to go.
Cyclists can also find new settings for cycling guidance in the Settings app, which include setting cycling as the preferred type of travel and toggles to avoid hills and busy roads.
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