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Google Maps launches cycling navigation feature in Singapore

SINGAPORE — Google Maps on Monday (Nov 8) launched its new cycling navigation feature in Singapore, which covers over 6,800km of cycling trails and bike directions islandwide.

A new feature on Google Maps includes step-by-step cycling directions, information about green corridors linking major parks across the island, and recommended bicycle-friendly roads.

A new feature on Google Maps includes step-by-step cycling directions, information about green corridors linking major parks across the island, and recommended bicycle-friendly roads.

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SINGAPORE — Google Maps on Monday (Nov 8) launched its new cycling navigation feature in Singapore, which covers more than 6,800km of cycling trails and bike directions islandwide.

Singapore is the first Southeast Asian country to enjoy the new feature, following a “huge spike” in searches for cycling routes on the island since the Covid-19 pandemic, the technology giant said in a news release.

The new feature includes step-by-step cycling directions, information about green corridors linking major parks across the island, and recommended bicycle-friendly roads.

Cyclists may explore different cycling routes, track their progress with turn-by-turn navigation, receive updates on estimated arrival times in real-time, and find out the elevation of the route to stay focused on the road.

A new feature lets cyclists track their progress with turn-by-turn navigation and find out the elevation of the route they are taking. Photo: Google Singapore.

Data on around 500km of roads and paths has been provided by the Land Transport Authority and the National Parks Board, allowing cyclists to locate dedicated cycling paths and avoid expressways and tunnels.

Over the past year, the use of biking directions on Google Maps has increased by up to 98 per cent in cities around the world, the search engine operator said in an Oct 6 blog post.

Ms Cordula Oertel, Google’s head of geo partnerships in Southeast Asia, said: “In Singapore, we’ve seen a huge spike in searches on Google for cycling routes, with a jump of 75 per cent from 2020, and an increase of 400 per cent from 2019, so it’s clear that Singaporeans are keen to get on their bikes.”

The Google Maps update is available on both desktop and mobile platforms in Singapore and can be accessed alongside the existing walking, driving and public transport options.

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