The number of bikers out on the streets has surged since the COVID-19 pandemic started. With a number of them plying the streets daily, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is finding ways to make cycling safer and more convenient — including asking the tech giant Google to integrate local bike lanes on Google Maps. 

Contrary to popular belief, Google Maps isn’t only for driving navigation. The app also supports walking, jogging, and even biking. Having all the bike lanes integrated on the navigation app will greatly help bikers, according to the transport agency.

“We have asked Google to consider this suggestion [as] top priority considering the increasing number of Filipino cyclists,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said in an emailed statement on Thursday.

According to Tugade, this is such a “good innovation” for Google Maps, especially during these times when many Filipinos are using bicycles as a primary mode of transportation. Moreover, he said that they are confident they can win Google’s support on this since the tech giant is a huge supporter of active transport.

The DOTr is actively promoting cycling in the country, highlighting its health benefits and zero carbon emission. Early this year, the agency completed a 500-kilometer bike lane network in major cities across the country.