Google Maps can show you directions from docked bike-share schemes like Citi Bike in New York City or Santander Cycles in London starting today, using rented bikes. It works by giving walking directions to get to a nearby dock, cycling directions to get from one dock to another, and finally walking directions to get to your destination once again from the dock. It's similar to what Google began offering back in 2018 for Lime's dockless scooters and bikes, but for the many docked bike-hire schemes available in cities around the globe.

The new functionality comes as towns promote cycling as a means for people to get around during the COVID-19 pandemic in an environmentally friendly and socially distant way. Google says it has seen a 69 percent increase in the number of requests made through Maps for cycling directions since February, and a record number of requests last month. Cycle-sharing schemes are an appropriate alternative to owning your own bike.