Google Maps is one of the handiest tools to use when planning a journey, but it doesn’t offer any routes for motorbikes or scooters. We believe motorbikes have been overlooked, which is why we’ve launched a petition for the platform to add routes for two-wheeled vehicles. Google Maps has travel information for cars, trains, bicycles and planes, so adding motorbikes to the mix will help to meet the needs of 1.25 million British riders.

Improving travel tools to benefit everybody

Studies have shown that motorbike travel within important European cities can be up to two-thirds quicker than the same route taken by a car. The petition makes the argument that time estimates should be changed for people who are travelling by motorbikes. Another study from Transport and Mobility Leuven has shown that if just 10% of cars on the road were replaced by motorcyclists, it would reduce congestion for road users by 40%. Improving travel tools for riders would benefit everyone on the road.

Head of Marketing, Rebecca Donohue has explained the reasoning behind the petition:

“Google Maps is a useful tool for so many travellers, but it is baffling that motorcycle routes are not included within the service. With so many modes of transport already available, it seems like the logical next step for biking to get introduced too. We aim to provide motorcyclists with the best possible service and we think that campaigning for a tool that would help British bikers is another great way to do this. It isn’t just bikers who would benefit though – research has clearly shown how assisting bikers is to the advantage of cars, lorries and buses too.”

Show your support

Google have taken steps to trial motorbike routes in India, but there’s been no indication of whether the tool will be introduced in the UK. By launching the petition, we want to drive as much awareness as possible so British motorcyclists can benefit.

A number of people have shown their support for the petition, including World Superbike Champion Jonathan Rea and Superbike star Leon Haslam. The Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) is also supportive, with CEO Tony Campbell saying “MCIA fully supports the call for Google Maps to introduce powered two-wheeler journey times. Car journey times just aren’t accurate for riders or powered two-wheelers as they cut through rush hour congestion in the time you would expect to move in free-flowing traffic. This has been confirmed through a series of City Challenges in many European cities, including several in the UK.”

Signing the petition will help to improve safety and travel for motorcyclists in the UK. To view and sign it, please visit:

https://www.change.org/p/google-motorcycle-travel-time-estimates-to-be-included-within-google-maps