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Google Maps now features cycling directions for users in Singapore

By Aaron Yip & Kenneth Ang - on 9 Nov 2021, 5:27pm

Google Maps now features cycling directions for users in Singapore

Image: Google

If you've ever tried to plan a cycling route in Singapore, you'd know that it's not exactly as easy as it seems, and to make things worse, navigation apps don't usually account for bicycle routes. At least, until now. 

Earlier this week, Google rolled out a new and long-awaited feature for their handy Maps app - cycling directions, and Singapore will be the first country in Southeast Asia to enjoy it. Amusingly, it's possible that we're first in line because we don't have the biggest land mass around, but even so, the cycling navigation feature still includes a whopping 6,800km of cycling trails and directions, all of which were helpfully provided by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the National Parks Board (NParks)

Image: Google

Naturally, this will make those weekend leisure rides a lot easier to map out and plan. Apart from the aforementioned cycling trails, the updated Google Maps is now able to recommend bicycle-friendly roads, routes that utilise the island's numerous "green corridors" and even offer step-by-step directions to a given destination. In fact, this feature comes at a pretty convenient time too. According to statistics provided by Google Search Trends, cycling routes have surged in search frequency ever since the onset of Covid-19, with 2021 showing a 75% jump from 2020 and 400% from 2019 respectively. 

Of course, while those using regular bicycles can simply go ahead and enjoy all that this new feature has to offer, those who are using power-assisted bicycles (PABs) and motorised personal mobility devices (PMDs) will still have to abide by existing LTA regulations. After all, it doesn't really matter what vehicle you're handling - nobody likes an irresponsible rider. Safety comes first!

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