How To Create Bike Route In Google Maps: Step-by-Step Guide

Can you create bike routes in Google Maps? Yes, Google Maps offers robust features for creating and navigating bike routes. How do you plan a bike trip in Google Maps? You can easily plan a bike trip in Google Maps by entering your start and end points and selecting the cycling option.

For cyclists, finding the right path is crucial. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely scenic ride, a challenging climb, or a quick commute, Google Maps can be a powerful tool. This guide will walk you through the entire process of creating bike routes in Google Maps, from simple point-to-point navigation to crafting custom routes with specific preferences. We’ll explore how to find the best bike routes, discover hidden trails, and ensure your rides are safe and enjoyable.

Navigating with Google Maps Cycling Directions

Google Maps cycling directions are designed to help you get where you need to go on two wheels. They consider factors like bike lanes, roads with less traffic, and hills to provide the most suitable routes for cyclists.

Getting Started: Basic Route Creation

Open Google Maps: Access Google Maps through your web browser (maps.google.com) or the Google Maps app on your smartphone.
Enter Your Destination: In the search bar at the top, type in the address or name of your destination.
Get Directions: Once the destination appears on the map, click or tap the “Directions” button. It usually looks like a blue diamond with a white arrow.
Select the Cycling Option: You’ll see several transportation modes at the top of the directions panel (e.g., car, public transport, walking, cycling). Click or tap the bicycle icon.
- Google Maps will then display cycling routes. The preferred route is usually highlighted in blue. Alternative routes may be shown in gray.
Review the Route: Examine the suggested route. Google Maps will often provide:
- Estimated Travel Time: How long the ride is expected to take.
- Distance: The total mileage or kilometers of the route.
- Elevation Profile: Some versions may show an elevation graph, indicating climbs and descents.
Choose an Alternative Route (If Available): If the initial route isn’t ideal, look for other options presented in gray. Click on them to see details.

Customizing Your Ride: Preferences and Options

Google Maps offers settings to fine-tune your cycling experience.

Adjusting Route Options

Avoid Hills: This option tries to find flatter routes, which is great for casual riders or those with less powerful bikes.
Avoid Steep Roads: Similar to avoiding hills, this focuses on gentler inclines.
Avoid Ferries: If you don’t want to incorporate ferry travel.
Avoid Highways: Essential for most recreational cycling, keeping you off busy, high-speed roads.

How to Access Route Options:

After getting directions and selecting the cycling icon, look for a “Options” button or a small gear icon, usually located near the listed routes.
Click or tap this to reveal the preferences.
Check the boxes for your desired options.

Finding the Best Bike Routes: Beyond the Basics

While Google Maps is excellent for many cycling needs, it also helps uncover specific types of routes.

Discovering Bike Trails

Sometimes, you’re not looking for road cycling but for dedicated bike trails, often found in parks or nature reserves.

Search for Parks or Trails: Start by searching for specific parks or trail systems in your area. For instance, search for “Central Park bike trails” or “local nature preserves.”
Examine Map Layers:
- Terrain Layer: In the web version, you can switch to the “Terrain” layer (usually found in the bottom-left corner, under the map type options). This can reveal topography and sometimes indicate paths or trails, especially in parks.
- Satellite View: Switch to Satellite view to visually identify unpaved paths or trails, especially when combined with the terrain layer.
Look for Bicycle Symbols: Google Maps sometimes uses a bicycle symbol to mark dedicated bike paths or trails.
Read Reviews and Look at Photos: For popular trails, user reviews and photos can offer valuable insights into trail conditions, difficulty, and suitability for cycling.

Creating Custom Bike Routes in Google Maps

For those who want more control or have specific destinations in mind, creating custom bike routes is key.

Method 1: Adding Multiple Destinations

This is the most straightforward way to build a multi-stop route.

Start with Your First Destination: Enter your starting point and first stop.
Add Another Destination: After the initial route is generated, look for an “Add destination” button.
Input Subsequent Stops: Add your next destination and continue this process for all planned stops.
Reorder Destinations: You can usually drag and drop the destinations in the directions list to change the order of your stops. This allows you to optimize the route flow.
Google Maps Bike Route Planner: As you add destinations, Google Maps recalculates the cycling route, incorporating all your stops.

Method 2: Manual Route Editing (Web Version)

The web version of Google Maps allows for more manual manipulation of routes.

Generate an Initial Route: Get directions for your start and end points using the cycling option.
Click and Drag to Edit: Once the route appears, you can often click and drag any segment of the blue route line on the map.
- As you drag, Google Maps will try to find a cycling-friendly path along your dragged path.
- This is incredibly useful for steering the route around specific roads you want to take or avoid, or for exploring different neighborhood streets.
Create New Waypoints: You can click on the map where you want to add a new point to the route, and Google Maps will try to connect it with cycling directions.

Tips for Crafting Custom Routes:

Know Your Roads: Familiarize yourself with the types of roads available in the area you’re planning for. Are there designated bike lanes? Are some roads particularly busy or hilly?
Use Street View: Before committing to a custom route, use Google Maps Street View to get a visual sense of the roads. This helps you identify potential hazards, understand the road surface, and gauge traffic conditions.
Consider Starting/Ending Points: Ensure your start and end points are accessible by bike and safe to approach.

Route Planning for Cyclists Google Maps

Effective route planning for cyclists involves more than just getting from point A to point B. It’s about enjoying the ride, staying safe, and reaching your destination efficiently.

Factors to Consider for Cyclists

Traffic Volume: Busy roads with high vehicle speeds are generally less desirable for cycling. Google Maps’ cycling directions try to minimize this, but custom route adjustments can further improve safety.
Road Surface: While Google Maps doesn’t explicitly detail road surface quality (paved, gravel, etc.), visual cues from Street View and terrain information can help. For unpaved trails, dedicated trail apps or websites might be more accurate.
Elevation Changes: Hills can be challenging. Using the “Avoid Hills” or “Avoid Steep Roads” options is helpful, or you can manually incorporate climbs if you’re training.
Bike Lanes and Paths: Google Maps prioritizes routes with dedicated bike lanes and paths when available.

Using Google Maps for Different Cycling Scenarios

Commuting

Goal: Speed and safety.
Strategy: Use the default cycling directions, but check for alternative routes. Utilize “Avoid Highways” and “Avoid Steep Roads” if applicable. Preview the route in Street View to assess traffic and road conditions at peak times.

Leisurely Rides

Goal: Scenery and comfort.
Strategy: Explore park trails by searching for parks and examining the map layers. Use the custom route creation to link scenic spots, parks, or waterfronts. Consider less direct routes that use quieter residential streets or dedicated bike paths.

Touring or Long-Distance Rides

Goal: Efficiency and manageable stages.
Strategy: Break down the tour into daily segments, creating individual routes for each day. Use the multi-destination feature extensively. Research the specific areas you’ll be riding through for bike-friendly infrastructure using Google Maps’ features and local cycling resources.

Navigate Cycling Routes Google Maps: On the Go

Once your route is planned, Google Maps provides real-time navigation to guide you.

Using Turn-by-Turn Navigation

Start Navigation: After selecting your route and any options, tap or click the “Start” button.
On-Screen Directions: The map will center on your current location and show the upcoming path. You’ll see:
- Next Turn: Clearly indicated with distance.
- Street Names: To help you identify turns.
- Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA): Constantly updated.
Voice Guidance: For hands-free navigation, ensure voice guidance is enabled in the app’s settings. This provides spoken instructions for each turn.
Recalculating Routes: If you miss a turn or deviate from the planned route, Google Maps will automatically recalculate a new cycling-friendly path to get you back on track.

Google Maps Bike Turn-by-Turn: Features and Tips

Voice Commands: You can often ask Google Maps for directions or to search for nearby points of interest using voice commands while navigating.
Offline Maps: For areas with poor cellular service, download offline maps of the region before you leave. This allows navigation even without an internet connection.
- To Download Offline Maps: Search for the area you want to download, tap on the location’s name, and then select the download option.
Incognito Mode: If you don’t want your cycling routes to be saved to your Google account history, use Incognito mode in the Google Maps app.
Reporting Issues: If you notice an error in the cycling directions (e.g., a road is closed, a bike lane is missing, or a suggested route is unsafe), you can report it to Google Maps. This helps improve the data for all users. Look for a “Send feedback” or “Report a problem” option.

Creating Cycling Paths Google Maps: Advanced Techniques

While Google Maps excels at suggesting routes based on existing infrastructure, sometimes you want to highlight or create a route that isn’t a standard road.

Leveraging Google Maps Data for Path Creation

Google Maps’ data is constantly updated by users and partners. This means that many trails and paths are already mapped.

Exploring “Popular Times” and Reviews: For parks and trails, check “Popular Times” to gauge how busy they are. Reviews often mention the suitability for different types of bikes or highlight specific sections of trails.
Using My Maps: For more advanced custom route creation or to save and share routes, Google Maps’ “My Maps” feature is invaluable.

Using Google My Maps for Custom Routes

Google My Maps allows you to create highly personalized maps with custom routes, points of interest, and layers.

Access My Maps: Go to Google My Maps (google.com/mymaps).
Create a New Map: Click “+ Create a new map.”
Name Your Map: Give your map a descriptive title (e.g., “Weekend Cycling Adventure”).
Add a Layer for Your Route: Click “Untitled layer” and rename it (e.g., “My Custom Route”).
Draw a Line (Route):
- Click the “Draw a line” icon.
- Select “Add line or shape.”
- Click on the map to start drawing your route. Click at each turn or point you want to define.
- Important for Cycling: When drawing, try to follow existing roads or paths that are known to be bike-friendly. Google My Maps doesn’t automatically give cycling directions like the main Google Maps. It’s more about drawing your intended path.
- Adding Stops: You can click on segments to add intermediate points (stops) to your drawn line.
- Changing Line Style: Customize the color and thickness of your route line.
Add Points of Interest: Use the marker tool to add important locations like rest stops, water fountains, bike shops, or scenic viewpoints. You can add descriptions and photos to these markers.
Import Data: If you have a GPS file (like GPX) of a route, you can import it directly into My Maps.
Share Your Map: You can share your custom map with friends or family, allowing them to view or even edit it.
Access on Mobile: Once created in My Maps, you can view your custom map on your phone through the Google Maps app by searching for the map’s title or accessing it via the “Your Places” section.

Limitations of My Maps for Cycling Directions:

Google My Maps allows you to draw a route, but it doesn’t automatically provide turn-by-turn cycling directions or dynamic recalculations based on cycling infrastructure. To navigate a route created in My Maps, you typically need to:

Follow the Line: Visually follow the line you’ve drawn on the map.
Use Separate Navigation: Export the route (if possible, e.g., as a GPX file) and import it into a dedicated cycling navigation app that can provide turn-by-turn directions.

This makes My Maps excellent for planning and visualizing, but for real-time, guided navigation, the standard Google Maps cycling directions are usually better.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does Google Maps have specific bike trails?

A1: Google Maps shows many dedicated bike paths and trails, especially those within parks or marked with cycling symbols. However, it may not include every single unpaved or informal trail. For comprehensive trail data, specialized cycling apps or local trail maps might be necessary.

Q2: Can I plan a multi-day bike trip with Google Maps?

A2: Yes, you can plan a multi-day bike trip by breaking it down into daily segments. For each day, create a route from your starting point to your end point for that day, using the “Add destination” feature for any stops along the way. Save or note these daily routes to piece together your full trip plan.

Q3: How does Google Maps decide on the “best” bike route?

A3: Google Maps prioritizes routes that utilize bike lanes, quieter roads, and paths known to be suitable for cycling. It also considers factors like elevation to offer options that avoid excessively steep climbs. The “best” route is subjective and can be refined using the route options to avoid hills or steep roads.

Q4: Can I import a GPX file into Google Maps for navigation?

A4: You cannot directly import a GPX file into the main Google Maps navigation for turn-by-turn directions. However, you can import GPX files into Google My Maps to visualize the route on a map. For navigation with GPX files, you’ll typically need to use a dedicated cycling app that supports GPX import.

Q5: How do I avoid busy roads when cycling in Google Maps?

A5: When you get directions, select the cycling option. Then, look for “Options” or a settings icon. You should find choices to “Avoid highways” and “Avoid steep roads,” which generally steer you away from busier arterial roads. You can also manually adjust routes by dragging them in the web version to use quieter streets.

Q6: Is Google Maps suitable for mountain biking?

A6: Google Maps is generally better suited for road cycling or paved/well-maintained multi-use paths. While it can show some trails in parks, it lacks detailed information about trail difficulty, surface conditions (like roots, rocks, or mud), and technical features crucial for mountain biking. For serious mountain biking, dedicated trail apps like Trailforks or MTBProject are recommended.

Q7: How can I see elevation profiles for my bike route?

A7: The availability of elevation profiles can vary. In the Google Maps app or on the web, after getting cycling directions, you might see an elevation graph displayed alongside the route details. If not, you may need to use a specialized cycling app or website that integrates elevation data.

Q8: Does Google Maps provide real-time traffic for cyclists?

A8: Google Maps provides real-time traffic information primarily for car routes. While it does indicate busy periods for certain locations, it doesn’t show real-time traffic density on bike paths or roads in the same way it does for cars. Cyclists should still use caution and be aware of their surroundings.

By mastering these steps and utilizing the various features Google Maps offers, you can confidently plan and navigate your cycling adventures, finding the best routes for your needs, whether it’s a daily commute or an extensive tour. Happy riding!