Apple Maps cycling directions expand across UK and Ireland

Apple Maps has quietly expanded its support for cycling in the United Kingdom and Ireland this week. Users are discovering they can now route cycling journeys across the length and the breadth of the country.

Apple first launched cycling directions in Maps in late 2020, although at first it was U.S only in a smattering of cities. Support for cycling navigation in the UK has been available for a while, but coverage was patchy … until now.

With the recent backend update, Apple Maps app users can now plot full cycling journeys across the UK.

Apple Maps cycling directions include warnings for steep hilly zones and highlights sections along the route where walking on the footpath may be required. It also knows about unpaved road areas, which may be uncomfortable to travel on a bike.

To start a cycling route, simply select the ‘bicycle’ icon in the Directions panel inside Apple Maps. You can additionally request to avoid busy roads, or hills. The planned route includes a preview of elevation, distance and ETA.

Unlike automobile navigation, Apple Maps cycling directions do not support multiple stop routes.

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