How bad do Apple Maps’ bike routes suck? Apple: yes

I make an effort to ride my e-bike to work as often as possible. The Bosch system built into my Cube Kathmandu has an excellent app including navigation. But I’m also an Apple disciple with an iPhone and Watch. Is the bike route extension of the Apple Maps app good enough to pull me even deeper into the Apple universe?

To find out, I used it a few times when cycling along my usual route. I’ve optimised the route for myself during the over hundred times I’ve used it. I avoid the main roads with their many traffic lights and heavy traffic, and, instead cycle through the forest for a good part.

Apple is trying to take those relaxed routes away from me. Eight out of ten times, Apple suggests a different route to what I’m used to. It seems the map app doesn’t even know the most important cycle routes in the canton. A large part of my commute goes along bike route number 45 and number 29, for example. Neither of them are suggested by the app. It’s as if it’s never heard of them. Even when I’m already on the route, it takes hundreds of metres before Apple recognises the reality.

If I deviate from the route Apple wants me to take, I’m punished with a constant tapping sensation coming from the watch on my wrist. It’s warning me about the end of cycle paths ahead, even if they continue in reality. What about those yellow bicycle signs painted onto the road? Whatever. That bike route sign on the side of the road? Ignored.

When I arrive at my destination, I’ve gained 15 minutes compared to the first route I was recommended at the start. How? By consistently overriding the recommendation. Turns out, I’m a far better navigator than the Maps app. Ha! And I didn’t cheat. All of the paths I went down are official, and I didn’t break any traffic rules.

Consistently ignores fountains and toilets

What about points of interest for cyclists? After all, public toilets and drinking fountains are definitely interesting if you’re on a bike ride. Apple isn’t familiar with any of them. Not a single one. Other navigation apps feature these places. In some cases, thanks to a cycling community.

What about those notifications on dangerous areas Apple announced at the launch? You know, busy intersections where you’re better off pushing your bike. Nought.

Map should provide a solid basis

Apple allegedly uses the Swisstopo map data for Switzerland (page in German). In other words, a very reputable source, if not the best. The Federal Office of Topography has depicted every little path on its maps, including the official bike routes, of course. Unfortunately, using the Federal Office’s app (available for download here) is quite fiddly. It would’ve been great if Apple had combined the good navigation of its app with the excellent map data from Swisstopo. But for some reason, this relationship doesn’t seem to work.

No connection to Apple Health

In the Maps app, Apple isn’t making use of the fact that all services and products are well connected. When I start riding along my e-bike route I’ve selected in the Map app, the health app doesn’t register it as an activity. So if I want this brief cardio session to be recorded, I have to do that separately.

P.S.: I was equally unimpressed with Google Maps in the navigation test. For trips on your bicycle, the specialists – Komoot, Outdooractive or the Flow app for e-bikes with the Bosch system – are clearly a better choice.

What are your experiences with map apps when you’re cycling? Which one do you use, which one do you like? Let the Community know in the comments.