As part of its ‘Google for Kenya’ initiative, internet giant Google has introduced its motorcycle mode in Kenya, a functionality that allows riders to calculate journey times accurately, get directions for narrow shortcuts that vehicles cannot access as well as avoid roads where they’re not allowed to enter.
“With Google Maps’ new motorbike mode users across Kenya will now be able to get directions and turn-by-turn navigation specifically tailored for motorbike riders, to suggest more efficient travel experience.” the tech giant announced.
The functionality plots routes that are best suited to riders, using shortcuts that are generally not accessible to cars and larger vehicles. This results in shorter travel times and more convenient route suggestions.
Major landmarks along a given route will now be shared with riders, i.e “turn left at Crescent Towers” instead of the official street name. Google says this will make it easier to get a sense of the journey even before setting off, so they don’t need to check their phone when they’re on the road.
In Kenya, the motorcycle is one the most popular forms of transportation. In 2007, there were 100K motorbikes and in 2016, 700K and now in 2018, an estimated 1M motorbikes in the Kenya.
