Garmin Cyclists Can Now Show Themselves in Real Time in Waze.
Garmin-equipped cyclists can now appear as moving icons in real time in the Waze driving app, and nearby drivers will receive a notification asking them to slow down and watch out for them on the road.
For cyclists already using Garmin devices, enabling this feature is free and improves safety, especially on roads where drivers may not expect cyclists. The feature is currently being rolled out, but it’s important to be aware of its limitations.
How Garmin cyclists can be seen by Waze drivers
Users can simply enable this feature once via Garmin Connect . Data sharing will then begin automatically when an outdoor bike ride begins and stop when it ends. During the ride, Waze users near the cyclist will see a moving cyclist icon and receive a real-time alert reminding them to slow down and pay attention.
This feature builds on LiveTrack, Garmin’s existing real-time location-sharing tool, which allows friends and family to track a cyclist’s location, speed, route, and more in real time. Garmin claims this collaboration also provides peace of mind for drivers by providing them with more complete information about their surroundings.
Garmin notes that location data sharing is temporary and occurs within a single session. The user’s name, identity, and route are masked, and no personal information is transmitted or displayed in Waze. Drivers see only an anonymous badge and a notification.
How to use the Waze feature in Garmin Connect
To run this feature you will need a few things:
-
Compatible Garmin Edge bike computer or Garmin watch.
-
A phone with the Garmin Connect app running and an internet connection.
-
Outdoor cycling (this feature does not apply to indoor cycling).
The good news is that using this feature is free: LiveTrack is free on compatible Garmin bike computers and watches, and Waze is free for drivers.
Limitations of this new security feature
This new feature is a great benefit from a security standpoint, but in real-world situations there are some nuances to consider:
This feature is exclusive to Waze. Drivers receive notifications only when Waze is open on their phone. Google Maps, which has a much larger user base, is excluded from this feature, so most drivers you share the road with won’t see you this way.
This depends on your phone’s signal. Your location is transmitted from Garmin to your phone, then to Garmin servers, then to Waze, and finally to the driver’s phone. If the signal is unstable in rural areas, a few seconds of delay can cause the icon to appear on the wrong side of the turn. Drivers who leave their phone at home or lose signal simply won’t appear on the Waze map, as a trip without an internet connection is invisible to Waze.
Finally, remember that this safety feature should be viewed as an added benefit, not a guarantee. Ultimately, it doesn’t replace bike lights, bright clothing, and protective riding.