Waze claims AI will help motorcycle riders save time

Waze, the Google-owned navigation app used by millions of road users globally, wants to make trips shorter, especially for those riding motorcycles.

Launched 20 years ago, Waze was taken over by Google in 2013, and has since become one of the most common navigation apps on the market, thanks to its detailed maps, and the ability to source information on speed cameras, road works and traffic delays from users.

This week, the navigation giant has announced it is launching a new ‘motorcycle mode’ on its application in the near future, using AI “to incorporate two-wheeler shortcuts and restrictions, helping you find the best route and get an accurate ETA”.

“It also shows hazards that are tricky for riders, like potholes, speed bumps, raised crosswalks, shoulder endings and narrow bridges. All of this is powered by Waze’s real-time traffic information and a dedicated group of motorcycle map editors who are constantly adding new hazards to the map.”

While Waze already allows users to select their vehicle type as a motorcycle in Australia – which it says provides “routes great for motorbikes” – it’s believed the latest mode will further enhance its capabilities.

We may have to wait a while to see it in Australia though, as it’s first rolling out in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru and the Philippines.

In addition to the motorcycle mode, Waze is being enhanced to provide routes based on previous trips – using local knowledge to save time – and introducing a ‘less chatty’ mode, shortening and minimising voice prompts so users can keep listening to media with fewer interruptions.

Waze already has three modes for voice guidance: off, alerts only, and on.

The application is both free to download and to use.