For years, plenty of riders have used Waze because of its real-time traffic alerts, police reports, and crowdsourced hazard warnings. But one thing has always been missing—a navigation mode that actually understands motorcycles.
That’s finally changing.
Waze has announced a new Motorcycle Mode designed specifically for riders. Instead of treating motorcycles like cars, the updated navigation system uses AI to account for motorcycle-friendly routes, road restrictions, and hazards that matter on two wheels. (blog.google)
Built for Riders
Unlike cars, motorcycles can safely use some roads and shortcuts that four-wheel vehicles can’t. At the same time, riders have to deal with hazards that many drivers barely notice.
The new Motorcycle Mode is designed to:
- Find routes better suited for motorcycles
- Provide more accurate arrival times
- Warn riders about potholes
- Alert users to speed bumps
- Identify raised crosswalks
- Flag narrow bridges and shoulder drop-offs
Those are exactly the kinds of road hazards that can turn an enjoyable ride into a dangerous one. (blog.google)
It’s Not Everywhere Yet
The feature is launching first in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, and the Philippines—countries with large motorcycle populations.
Waze says additional countries will be added in the future, but it hasn’t announced when riders in the United States will get access. (blog.google)
More Than Just Motorcycle Mode
Waze is also introducing several other updates:
- Personalized navigation that learns your preferred routes over time.
- A “Less Chatty” mode that cuts down on voice prompts while still announcing important directions and hazards.
- New Gemini AI voice search that lets users ask for things like the cheapest nearby gas station or parking using natural language.
- Improved voice reporting for road hazards and closures. (The Verge)
TVBikerDad’s Take
This is one of the most meaningful motorcycle-specific updates Waze has made in years.
Anything that gives riders better hazard warnings and routing is a welcome improvement. While many bikers still prefer the scenic routes over the fastest ones, having navigation that actually recognizes you’re on a motorcycle instead of in a sedan is a step in the right direction.
Now the big question is: How long will American riders have to wait?