Since this week, users in Belgium can view, plan and use cycling routes in Apple’s Maps application. The iPhone maker has added bicycle navigation to Maps.
This means that our southern neighbors can request detailed cycling routes. Maps shows routes on cycle paths and cycle-friendly roads (if available). You can preview elevation changes along the route, choose a route with the fewest hills possible, and in some cases see how busy a road is. This option is not yet available in the Netherlands.
Cycling routes Belgium in Maps
In the Apple Maps application you can consult cycling routes for the whole of Belgium. You can navigate by bike in Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia. Both the departure point and the arrival point must be within the country’s borders, otherwise Maps cannot create a route. Follow the steps below to create a cycling route:
- Open the Maps app
- Search for a destination
- Tap the Bicycle symbol
- If necessary, change the starting point under ‘My location’
- Choose a desired route
The height difference is already indicated on the routes, and you can use the ‘Avoid’ option to avoid hills and/or busy roads. Tap ‘Start’ to start the route and follow the navigation instructions.
Siri for bicycle navigation
Of course, you can also use Apple’s voice assistant to start a cycling route in the Maps app. To do this, activate Siri and say Find a cycling route to [locatie]. Then choose a desired route and follow the directions.