Best Google Maps Alternatives for Cyclists in 2026
Google Maps is great for driving directions, but if you’ve ever tried to use it for cycling, you know it’s not built for two wheels. It sends you down highways with no bike lanes, ignores one-way streets that are legal for bikes, and doesn’t tell you where the steep climbs or rough pavement are. For cyclists, that’s not just inconvenient-it’s dangerous.
Why Google Maps Falls Short for Cyclists
Google Maps treats bikes like pedestrians with wheels. It doesn’t understand the real needs of riders. It won’t warn you about a 15% grade on a narrow road. It won’t show you where the bike repair shops are. It won’t avoid gravel paths or unpaved trails unless you manually zoom in and check. And if you’re riding in a city like Dublin, it might send you straight through a busy roundabout with no bike signal.
A 2024 study by the European Cyclists’ Federation found that 68% of regular cyclists in urban areas avoid Google Maps for route planning because of safety concerns. The app doesn’t learn from actual bike traffic patterns-it guesses based on car data. That’s like using a fishing map to plan a hike.
Komoot: The Best All-Around Cycling Route Planner
Komoot is the most popular alternative among serious cyclists. It’s not just a map-it’s a route-building tool designed by riders, for riders. The app uses real data from millions of cycling trips to suggest smooth, safe, and scenic paths. You can choose between cycling routes labeled as ‘Road’, ‘Mountain’, or ‘Mixed Terrain’, and it adjusts elevation warnings, surface type, and traffic density accordingly.
In Dublin, Komoot shows you the Grand Canal Way, the Royal Canal Greenway, and even hidden backstreets with low traffic that locals use. It integrates with your smart bike computer and syncs with Strava, so your rides auto-save. The app also lets you save favorite routes, share them with friends, and even download them for offline use-perfect for rural rides where cell service drops.
OpenStreetMap + OsmAnd: The Free, Open-Source Powerhouse
If you don’t want to pay for an app, OpenStreetMap (OSM) is the backbone of many free cycling tools. Unlike Google, OSM is built by volunteers who map bike lanes, cycle paths, and even the condition of pavement. OsmAnd is the best Android and iOS app that uses OSM data. It lets you download entire country maps, toggle cycling layers, and get voice-guided turn-by-turn directions without a data connection.
What makes OsmAnd stand out? You can see if a path is paved, gravel, or dirt. You can filter out stairs, steep hills, or busy roads. It even shows you where public bike pumps are located. In rural Ireland, this has saved riders from getting stuck on unmaintained trails. It’s not as polished as Komoot, but it’s free, private, and endlessly customizable.
MapMyRide: For Data-Driven Cyclists
MapMyRide, owned by Under Armour, is built for cyclists who track every metric. It’s ideal if you care about elevation gain, average speed, heart rate zones, or calories burned. The route planner lets you set goals-like ‘find a 50km ride with under 800m of climbing’-and suggests routes based on your past rides.
It’s not the best for discovering new scenic routes, but if you’re training for a race or trying to improve your endurance, MapMyRide gives you the numbers. It also connects to Garmin, Wahoo, and Polar devices. One pro tip: use the ‘Find Routes Near Me’ feature to explore new paths around your neighborhood without guessing.
BRouter: For Tech-Savvy Riders Who Want Full Control
If you’re comfortable with a little technical setup, BRouter is the most powerful tool available. It’s an open-source routing engine that lets you write custom rules for what roads your bike should avoid. Want to skip roads with speed limits over 50 km/h? Done. Want to avoid cobblestones? Easy. You can even set preferences for bike-friendly cafes or water fountains along the way.
BRouter runs on Android via apps like Locus Map or Organic Maps. You download routing profiles from GitHub and tweak them yourself. It’s not for beginners, but if you’ve ever wished you could build your own perfect cycling map, this is it. Cyclists in the Netherlands and Germany use it to plan multi-day tours with extreme precision.
How to Choose the Right App for You
Not every cyclist needs the same thing. Here’s how to pick:
- For scenic rides and easy planning → Komoot
- For free, offline, and detailed maps → OsmAnd
- For training and performance tracking → MapMyRide
- For total control and customization → BRouter
Most riders start with Komoot. It’s the most intuitive and gives you the best balance of safety, detail, and ease of use. If you’re on a budget or ride in remote areas, OsmAnd is your backup. Serious athletes should pair MapMyRide with a smart bike computer.
Real-World Tip: Always Carry a Backup
Even the best apps can glitch. Battery dies. Signal drops. A sudden downpour wipes out your screen. That’s why experienced cyclists always carry a paper map or print out a PDF of their route. Apps are great, but they’re not infallible.
Many local cycling clubs in Ireland now offer free downloadable PDF routes for popular trails. Check your regional council’s website or local bike shops-they often have them. Keep one in your jersey pocket. It’s old-school, but it works when everything else fails.
Why This Matters Beyond Convenience
Using the right cycling app isn’t just about getting from A to B. It’s about making cycling safer, more enjoyable, and more accessible. When apps ignore bike lanes or send riders into danger, they discourage people from choosing two wheels over four. Better tools mean more people ride. More riders mean safer roads, cleaner air, and quieter streets.
That’s why choosing a dedicated cycling app isn’t a luxury-it’s a small act of advocacy. You’re voting with your phone for infrastructure that supports cyclists, not just cars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Komoot free to use?
Komoot has a free version that lets you plan and follow routes, but the premium version ($4.99/month) unlocks offline maps, detailed surface info, and guided tours. Most casual riders don’t need the premium plan unless they ride frequently in unfamiliar areas.
Can I use these apps in rural Ireland?
Yes, especially OsmAnd and Komoot. Both work offline after downloading maps. Rural routes in counties like Galway and Kerry are well-mapped by volunteers on OpenStreetMap. Many long-distance trails like the Wild Atlantic Way have dedicated cycling layers.
Do any of these apps show bike repair shops?
Komoot and OsmAnd both show nearby bike shops, pump stations, and public repair kits. Komoot even lets you filter results by ‘open now’ or ‘24-hour service’. This is especially useful on multi-day tours where a flat tire could end your ride.
Why doesn’t Google Maps have a bike mode that works?
Google Maps prioritizes car navigation because that’s where most of its revenue comes from. Bike routing is a secondary feature with limited data. It doesn’t have access to detailed bike lane maps, surface conditions, or local cycling laws in most countries. Dedicated apps fill that gap with community-driven data.
Are these apps safe to use while riding?
Never hold your phone while riding. Use a handlebar mount and rely on voice guidance. All these apps support audio turn-by-turn directions. Set your route before you start, and only check your phone when stopped. Safety always comes first.
