transportation

Top-rated Bike Route Apps for Urban Commuters

Discover the best bike route apps designed specifically for urban commuters who are looking to make their cycling journeys easier, safer, and more efficient. These apps help navigate city traffic, find the safest routes, and much more.

7 Apps
4.5 ★ Avg Rating
Transportation Category
Last updated December 2024
Komoot

Komoot

4.7 ★ Free

Komoot is an adventure planner that offers comprehensive route planning tailored for biking, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The app provides detailed maps with offline functionality, turn-by-turn navigation, and is particularly good at outlining scenic bike routes.

Best for: Urban bikers looking for scenic routes and offline capabilities.

Pros:

  • Detailed maps
  • Offline functionality
  • Multiple activity types supported

Cons:

  • Free version is limited
  • Can be difficult for beginners to navigate
Available on
iOS Android
Visit Website
Strava

Strava

4.6 ★ Free

Strava is a popular app among cyclists and runners alike, offering a mix of social networking and GPS tracking. Users can plan their routes, track their rides in real time, share their progress with friends, and compete on performance leaderboards.

Best for: Urban commuters who want to integrate fitness goals with commuting.

Pros:

  • Social engagement
  • Performance tracking
  • Wide community support

Cons:

  • Privacy concerns
  • Subscription model can be pricey
Available on
iOS Android
Visit Website
Google Maps

Google Maps

4.5 ★ Free

Google Maps is a versatile mapping service that offers real-time GPS navigation, traffic, and transit info, and explore local neighborhoods by searching for popular bars, events, and activities. It's incredibly detailed and covers almost all parts of the world.

Best for: Everyday navigation and finding alternative bike routes in cities.

Pros:

  • Widely available
  • Reliable traffic data
  • Free to use

Cons:

  • Can be heavy on data usage
  • Interface can be complex for beginners
Available on
iOS Android
Visit Website
Ride with GPS

Ride with GPS

4.5 ★ Free

Ride with GPS provides cyclists with the tools to plan, navigate, and share their bike rides. It offers detailed route planning features and allows users to record their rides, follow routes created by others, and download maps for offline use.

Best for: Experienced urban cyclists looking to explore new routes.

Pros:

  • Detailed route planning
  • Offline maps
  • Community features

Cons:

  • Premium features are costly
  • Can be complex for new users
Available on
iOS Android
Visit Website
CycleStreets

CycleStreets

4.4 ★ Free

CycleStreets is a UK-focused app that offers bike routing and journey planning. It specializes in providing route suggestions that take into account the safety and ease of the road, often diverting cyclists through quieter, bike-friendly areas.

Best for: Urban commuters focused on safety and quieter routes.

Pros:

  • Focused on safety
  • Offers multiple route options
  • Free to use

Cons:

  • Limited to certain regions
  • Interface can be outdated
Available on
iOS Android
Visit Website
MapMyRide

MapMyRide

4.3 ★ Free

MapMyRide provides cyclists with comprehensive tools to map out their rides, track their performance, and analyze the data. Users can discover new routes across the city, log their cycling workouts, and connect with a community of riders.

Best for: Cyclists interested in detailed performance metrics and community challenges.

Pros:

  • Workout tracking
  • Community support
  • Custom route creation

Cons:

  • Premium features can be expensive
  • Ads in free version
Available on
iOS Android
Visit Website
Bike Citizens

Bike Citizens

4.2 ★ Free

Bike Citizens is a city-centric bike map app designed to make urban cycling more convenient. It offers customized routing based on type of bike, time of day, and personal preferences, plus in-depth city guides for popular cycling locations.

Best for: Commuters wanting localized biking information and custom routes.

Pros:

  • Custom routes
  • City-specific guides
  • Encourages commuting

Cons:

  • Limited free features
  • Some cities not covered
Available on
iOS Android
Visit Website

Comparison Overview

App Rating Price Best For
Komoot 4.7 ★ Free with in-app purchases Komoot is an adventure planner that offers comprehensive route planning tailored for biking, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
Strava 4.6 ★ Free with in-app subscription options Strava is a popular app among cyclists and runners alike, offering a mix of social networking and GPS tracking.
Google Maps 4.5 ★ Free Google Maps is a versatile mapping service that offers real-time GPS navigation, traffic, and transit info, and explore local neighborhoods by searching for popular bars, events, and activities.
Ride with GPS 4.5 ★ Free with premium options Ride with GPS provides cyclists with the tools to plan, navigate, and share their bike rides.
CycleStreets 4.4 ★ Free CycleStreets is a UK-focused app that offers bike routing and journey planning.
MapMyRide 4.3 ★ Free with premium features MapMyRide provides cyclists with comprehensive tools to map out their rides, track their performance, and analyze the data.
Bike Citizens 4.2 ★ Free with in-app purchases Bike Citizens is a city-centric bike map app designed to make urban cycling more convenient.

Quick Tips

  • Always plan your route ahead of time and check for any potential obstacles.
  • Use apps with offline functionality if you're cycling in areas with weak signal.
  • Consider an app with performance tracking if integrating fitness into your commute.
  • Check app privacy settings if sharing location or activity data.
  • Look for apps that offer real-time traffic updates for safer navigation.

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