This new system alerts drivers when a cyclist is on the road: how the Garmin and Waze integration works

Garmin and Waze have just announced a new feature aimed at improving the safety of cyclists on the road. Thanks to the integration of LiveTrack with the popular navigation app, drivers will be able to receive alerts when they are near a cyclist using a compatible Garmin device.

This is how the new integration between Garmin and Waze works

The collaboration introduces a different way to use technology to enhance coexistence between bicycles and vehicles. Until now, much of the safety devices for cycling have focused on warning the cyclist of approaching cars, as is the case with Garmin Varia rear radars. With this new feature, it is the driver who receives an alert about the presence of a cyclist on the road.

The system uses LiveTrack, a free tool from Garmin that allows sharing real-time location during a sports activity. Until now, its main utility was to enable family or friends to follow a cyclist's route from their phones.

With the new integration, that information can also be used to warn drivers who are navigating with Waze.

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When a cyclist activates the feature from Garmin Connect and starts an outdoor cycling activity, their position may appear represented by a moving icon on the Waze map. Drivers nearby will receive a notification alerting them of the cyclist's presence.

The goal is for them to anticipate the situation, moderate their speed, and pay more attention, especially on roads where the visibility of cyclists may be limited.

The feature will be available for users of Garmin Edge cycling computers and compatible smartwatches, as long as they use Garmin Connect and a compatible smartphone.

This announcement comes just a few weeks after Garmin renewed its most advanced device with the new Edge 1060, which introduced voice control and new navigation and safety features. With this alliance, the company expands the possibilities of its ecosystem of connected devices without the need to incorporate new accessories to the bicycle.

One of the most important aspects of this new feature is privacy. Garmin and Waze have confirmed that the location will not be shared automatically, but each user must expressly authorize this possibility from Garmin Connect.

Additionally, the information will be temporary and linked to the sports activity. When the cyclist finishes their ride, the alerts will disappear from Waze.

Drivers will also not be able to consult the name, identity, or complete route of the cyclist. They will only receive information about their presence and position while the location is being shared.

Available worldwide, although with some limitations

Waze has confirmed that the new feature has begun to roll out worldwide, both on Android and iOS.

It will not be necessary to subscribe to an additional service to use it, as it is based on LiveTrack, a free feature for Garmin users with compatible devices.

However, its effectiveness will depend on several factors. On one hand, only cyclists with a compatible Garmin device who have authorized location sharing will appear on the map. On the other hand, drivers will need to use Waze to receive the alerts.