Garmin’s Latest Update Puts a Real-Time Warning on Drivers' Dashboards

Today Garmin announced a partnership with the community-driven navigation app Waze. The connection will allow cyclists to show up on a driver’s navigation display, and it all works through the Garmin LiveTrack feature.

If you are unfamiliar, LiveTrack is a free feature built into compatible Garmin bike computers and smartwatches that lets users share their real-time location, speed and course plans with family and friends. It’s a feature that is not unique to Garmin hardware, although competitors have sometimes struggled to execute such a streamlined approach. The Garmin solution allows for a simple list of contacts who get an automatic notification every time you press start on a ride, as well as the option to send links individually.

Garmin is now expanding that usability to Waze. With this new update, that same location data is temporarily broadcast to approaching Waze users as an active icon on their screen. Simply opt in via Garmin Connect and your location will appear as a real-time, moving icon on the Waze mobile app. Drivers in the area who use Waze will see “Live Cycling Alerts” when a rider is using the Garmin integrated feature. Gai Berkovich, vice president and general manager of Waze, said, “By bringing Live Cycling Alerts to Waze, we’re giving drivers a helpful heads-up so they can slow down, stay aware and safely share the road.”

Garmin has also specified that “location sharing is temporary and session-based, and the cyclist’s personal information will not be shared or displayed in Waze.” The feature is now rolling out globally on Android and iOS. Visit the Garmin website for more information.