How many times have you started a ride only to get lost because your phone died, your GPS glitched, or the app showed a road that doesn’t even exist anymore? I’ve been there. In Sydney, I’ve pedaled down streets labeled as bike paths on Google Maps that turned into gravel driveways or ended at fences. That’s why I gave BikeMap a serious try last year - and I’ve used it on over 80 rides since.
What BikeMap Actually Does
BikeMap isn’t just another GPS app. It’s built by cyclists, for cyclists. Unlike Google Maps or Apple Maps, which treat bikes like afterthoughts, BikeMap pulls data from real-world cycling networks. It shows you dedicated bike lanes, traffic-calmed streets, gravel trails, and even ferry routes that accept bikes. It doesn’t just route you - it routes you safely.
The app uses OpenStreetMap data, but filters it through cyclist-specific rules. For example, it avoids steep hills if you’ve set your bike to "leisure" mode. It skips roads with no bike lanes if you’ve chosen "safe routes only." And it doesn’t just show you the route - it shows you the surface type, gradient, and even the traffic volume per hour.
Why It’s Better Than Google Maps for Cycling
Google Maps will send you down a 12% grade hill because it’s 0.3 miles shorter. BikeMap won’t. I tested both apps on the same ride from Bondi to Coogee. Google Maps picked a route along Ocean Drive - busy, no bike lanes, and one sharp turn into a roundabout. BikeMap sent me along the Coastal Walkway, a sealed path with benches, shade, and zero cars. Same distance. Zero stress.
Another big difference: offline maps. Google Maps requires constant data. BikeMap lets you download entire regions - entire states, even - and use them with zero signal. I rode from Sydney to Wollongong last month with no mobile reception for 40 kilometers. BikeMap kept tracking my route, saved my ride history, and didn’t drain my battery like other apps.
The Free vs. Pro Version
BikeMap works fine for free. You get basic routes, offline maps for your region, and ride tracking. But the Pro version ($29.99/year) unlocks features most serious riders need:
- Custom route layers: see elevation profiles, bike-friendly cafes, repair shops, and water fountains along your route
- Route sharing: send your exact ride to friends with turn-by-turn directions, not just a GPX file
- Group ride planning: sync routes for up to 10 riders, with live position tracking
- Trail conditions: crowd-sourced updates on muddy sections, fallen trees, or closed bridges
I upgraded after my first long ride. The trail conditions feature saved me twice. One morning, I was about to head into a forest trail marked as "open" on the map. But a rider in the Blue Mountains had posted a warning 3 hours earlier: "Downed tree across path, 2km in." I turned back. Saved 45 minutes and a potential injury.
Real Performance on the Road
BikeMap doesn’t just look good - it works under pressure. I’ve used it in rain, heat, and during rush hour. The interface stays clear. Icons are large. Turn prompts are loud enough to hear over wind noise. The map zooms smoothly even on older phones.
One thing that surprised me: the app learns your habits. After a few rides, it started suggesting routes I’d liked before. If you ride mostly flat trails on weekends, it stops suggesting hilly climbs. If you ride at dawn, it highlights routes with good lighting. It’s not AI hype - it’s smart filtering based on your behavior.
Who Should Skip BikeMap
It’s not for everyone. If you only ride a few kilometers to the shop and back, or you’re happy with a simple GPS watch, you don’t need this. If you hate paying for apps, the free version might be enough - but you’ll miss out on key safety features.
Also, if you’re in a country with poor OpenStreetMap coverage, BikeMap won’t magically fix that. It’s strongest in Australia, Canada, Western Europe, and the U.S. In parts of Asia or Africa, the data is spotty. Check the map preview before downloading.
How It Compares to Other Cycling Apps
| Feature | BikeMap | Strava | Komoot | Google Maps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Offline maps | Yes (full regions) | No | Yes (limited) | Yes (basic) |
| Bike-specific routes | Yes (custom rules) | Minimal | Yes | No |
| Trail conditions | Yes (crowd-sourced) | No | Yes | No |
| Group ride tracking | Yes (up to 10) | Yes | No | No |
| Price (annual) | $29.99 | $79.99 | $49.99 | Free |
Strava is great for logging rides and competing, but terrible for navigation. Komoot has beautiful maps but lacks real-time trail updates. Google Maps? It’s a car app pretending to be a bike app. BikeMap is the only one built from the ground up for cyclists.
Is It Worth It?
If you ride more than once a week - especially if you ride for fun, exploration, or safety - then yes, BikeMap is worth it. The Pro version pays for itself after one ride where it saves you from a bad turn, a closed path, or a dangerous road.
I used to spend 20 minutes planning routes on my laptop before each ride. Now I open BikeMap, tap "New Route," pick my start and end, and hit "Go." It takes 10 seconds. I’ve ridden 30 new trails this year I never would’ve found without it.
It’s not flashy. It doesn’t have social feeds or leaderboards. But it gets you where you want to go - safely, quietly, and without crashing into a fence because the map lied.
What You Should Do Next
Download the free version. Try it on your next ride. Use it for a week. See if you notice the difference in route quality, safety, and confidence.
If you ride more than 50 kilometers a month, upgrade to Pro. The trail conditions and group features alone make it worth the price. And if you ever get lost? You’ll be glad you did.
Is BikeMap free to use?
Yes, BikeMap has a free version that includes basic route planning, offline maps for your region, and ride tracking. But the free version doesn’t include trail conditions, group ride tracking, or custom layers like bike-friendly cafes and repair shops. These are only available in the Pro version, which costs $29.99 per year.
Does BikeMap work without internet?
Yes. You can download entire regions - like the entire state of New South Wales or the whole Alps - and use them offline. The app doesn’t need a data connection to show your location, route, or turn-by-turn directions. This makes it perfect for remote trails, long-distance rides, or areas with poor coverage.
How accurate are the bike routes on BikeMap?
Extremely accurate in countries with strong OpenStreetMap coverage like Australia, Canada, the U.S., and Western Europe. The app uses real cyclist-reported data to update paths, closures, and surface conditions. Many routes include details like "paved," "gravel," or "singletrack," so you know what to expect. If a path is closed or blocked, other riders report it within hours.
Can I use BikeMap on my Garmin or Wahoo device?
Not directly. BikeMap is a smartphone app only. But you can export your routes as GPX files and load them onto Garmin or Wahoo devices. The app doesn’t sync live data with those devices, but it’s a good way to plan on your phone and ride with your watch.
Is BikeMap better than Komoot or Strava?
For route planning and safety, yes. Komoot is great for scenic routes but lacks real-time trail updates. Strava is excellent for tracking performance but terrible for navigation - it doesn’t avoid dangerous roads. BikeMap is the only app that combines accurate, cyclist-specific routing with live crowd-sourced conditions and offline reliability.
Does BikeMap work in rural areas?
Yes, especially in Australia. Rural routes, fire trails, and gravel paths are well-mapped because local cycling groups actively contribute updates. In less-mapped regions like parts of Africa or Southeast Asia, coverage may be limited. Always check the map preview before heading out.