Google has just launched cycling directions for a number of new countries in Europe, including Luxembourg, France and Germany, which is great news for everyone who likes to cycle in the region!

These directions, available as part of Google Maps, were first launched in 2012 for a limited number of countries. Due to their popularity, Google has now extended them to a large part of Europe.

How do they work? Go to Google Maps and Get Directions, then choose the icon of the cyclist above. This will show you directions that use existing bike lanes and streets with less traffic, making it easy to choose a route through the city, or even across the country!

Based on a few tests, the directions are pretty accurate, and any bike lanes missing can be added by users through GoogleMapMaker.

Here’s a comparison between walking and cycling directions from Luxembourg Gare Centrale to Place d’Armes in the centre of town:

It also works for longer rides, and will be perfect for weekend rides through the countryside for both residents and visitors!

Here’s directions from Luxembourg Gare Centrale to Wasserbillig, on the German border.

By car:

And by bike, using national cycle paths:

And it only takes 2 hours and 48 minutes 🙂

I look forward to using this new tool and I’m sure it will prove to be very useful!