Google Maps Rolls Out Bike-Share Integration in 10 Cities Worldwide

Google has updated its Maps service to make it easier for users to rent bikes in 10 cities around the world. Starting this week, Google Maps' bicycling directions will list bike-share services as a route option, allowing riders to see the nearest station and how many bicycles are available.

The feature is now available in Chicago (Divvy/Lyft), New York City (Citi Bike/Lyft), San Francisco Bay Area (Bay Wheels/Lyft), Washington, DC (Capital Bikeshare/Lyft), London (Santander Cycles/TfL), Mexico City (Ecobici), Montreal (BIXI/Lyft), Rio De Janeiro, Brazil (Bike Itaú), São Paulo, Brazil (Bike Itaú), and Taipei and New Taipei City, Taiwan (YouBike).

Google Maps will also link to some of these bike-share apps, making it easier for users to book rides. This update comes as interest in biking has surged since the pandemic began, with a 69 percent increase in cycling directions use on Google Maps since February.

The trend is expected to stick around, with a Trek Bicycles survey finding that half of Americans plan to ride bikes more even after the pandemic ends.