Singapore Is the First Country in Southeast Asia To Have Cycling Directions in Google Maps

Cyclists in Singapore, rejoice! Google has now launched cycling directions for Singapore in Google Maps.

Credit: Unsplash

Cycling is a big part of Singapore life, with a quarter of the country’s households already owning bicycles pre-pandemic to the current surge in bicycle sales. In fact, as per Google Search Trends, interest in cycling routes increased by 75% in 2020 and surged by 400% from 2019. Worldwide, there’s been a 98% increase in access of biking directions via Google Maps.

Aside from being a bike-friendly city, cycling is highly-encouraged in the island nation as it’s also environment-friendy.

In support of this, Google has launched its "cycling directions" feature for Google Maps - the first in Southeast Asia. Offering over 6,800 km of cycling data on trails and biking directions, Singaporean cyclists will greatly benefit from this feature which is conveniently outlined on Google Maps.

The update, which will be available on both desktop and mobile (Android/iOS), makes it more convenient for Singaporean cyclists to access the information they need.

Credit: Google

Data is provided by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the National Parks Board (NParks) and includes step-by-step cycling directions as well as an island-wide network of linear green corridors that link to major parks and nature access throughout Singapore as well as cycling paths and recommended bicycle-friendly roads.

Chia Seng Jiang, Group Director, Parks East, National Parks Board said, "With the pandemic, more Singaporeans are visiting our green spaces for exercise and leisure and this includes cyclists who have been making use of our Park Connector Network and cycling paths. As Singapore transforms into a city in Nature, one key thrust of this vision is to bring nature closer to Singaporeans through the strengthening of connectivity between our green spaces. The launch of cycling directions on Google Maps will help more Singaporeans explore our green spaces easily on two wheels. In turn, (they will) benefit from the positive effects of nature on their mental and physical health and well-being. NParks will continue to expand the Park Connector Network to ensure that more communities can access nature easily."

Cyclists who make use of power-assisted bicycles (PABs) and motorised personal mobility devices (PMDs) may visit the LTA’s website to learn more about the different rules and regulations.

Kenneth Wong, Deputy Group Director, Active Mobility Group, Land Transport Authority said, "We are heartened that Google, a strong community stakeholder, has partnered (with) LTA to advocate for responsible and safer journeys as we realize our Walk, Cycle, Ride vision for Singapore. The launch of Google’s new cycling navigation feature is timely and complements our Islandwide Cycling Network (ICN) programme where we will progressively expand the cycling connectivity for Singapore. We look forward to working with more in the community to foster a gracious path sharing culture to create safer journeys for everyone."

Aside from the ability to explore different cycling routes, cyclists are also able to track their trip’s progress through turn-by-turn navigation, receive real-time ETA updates and be alerted of the elevation of their route so they can focus on the road. To continue improving and keep this new feature updated, Google Maps is encouraging users to send feedback and route information through the Send Feedback tool.

Cordula Oertel, Head of Geo Partnerships, South East Asia, Google said, "With the new cycling directions feature on Google Maps, we hope to create a safe and helpful experience for cyclists as they plan their journeys and to offer commuters in Singapore a more sustainable, eco-friendly option to consider."

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Written by Abby Rebong