Google Maps introduces eco-friendly routes, lite navigation for cyclists

Google Maps is introducing features that will help "at reducing the carbon footprint of its users." The new features include eco-friendly routing, lite navigation for cyclists, and bike and scooter share information.

Google has said that the new routing model will get users to their "destination as quickly as possible". It also "optimizes for lower fuel consumption — which saves you money on gas."

In a blog post, Google said that it estimates the eco-friendly routing to have the potential to prevent over one million tons of carbon emissions per year, which is roughly equal to removing over 200,000 cars from the road.

The Lite navigation feature, according to Google, will enable cyclists to "quickly see important details about their route without needing to keep their screen on or enter turn-by-turn navigation." The feature also displays important travel information such as trip progress, real-time ETA updates, and the elevation of the route.

Google said that it has expanded bike and scooter share information to over 300 cities around the world on Android and iOS.

"You can find nearby stations and even pinpoint how many vehicles are available at that moment in places like Berlin, New York, São Paulo and Taipei. And when you're done with your ride, you can make sure there's a place to park before heading over to the station," Google said.