Google brings Two-wheeler mode to Maps in India, suggests fastest routes to bikers
Google Maps previously displayed direction for only three kinds of people, one who are driving on their own, one who are travelling via train or bus, and lastly for people walking to reach their destination. But now, with the new update rolling in, Google brings a new category to the list — which is dedicated to the bikers, or in other words for the Two-wheeler owners. It is the Two-wheeler mode that Google Maps now gets. As the name suggests, this feature will show the fastest direction or route to the Two-wheeler riders to reach their entered destination.
Trying to test the new Two wheeler feature, we discovered that it is currently available for Android users, while iOS users are yet to receive it. Well, if you are an Android user and haven’t yet received the feature on your Maps, it is noteworthy that the new Motorcycle mode or Two-Wheeler mode comes with the latest version of Google Maps (v9.67.1) for Android. And in case you have the new version and still can’t see the Two-wheeler option — go to settings to change it.
The Two-Wheeler mode is seen listed alongside the earlier alternatives — Car, Foot, and Train. Google believes that India is one of the major areas of focus for the company and latest feature in Google Maps is an indicator of the same. Considering the fact, a substantial chunk of the country’s population travel on bikes or Two wheelers — the new Google Maps feature makes a lot of sense.
By introducing this feature, Google is possibly aiming at making traveling easier for the bikers out there. There are some unknown roads which are not wide enough for the big vehicles like trucks, buses or cars to pass through — however, motorbikes can easily swipe in. It is likely that Google may suggest such routes if you select the Two-wheeler mode available on Maps — which will be empty as well as will help you reach your destination much faster compared to the usual routes.
We tried testing the feature — and have seen that Google Maps informs the bikers about all the fastest routes possible to reach the entered destination. Apart from the direction, Google Maps like it shows for other modes also provides information about the parking situation at the destination, the traffic update and a few more features that come along with the other modes as well.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai recently said that India is playing an important role in improving Google Maps and other Google products. And it is likely that this new Two wheeler feature mode is an indicator of the same.
