Cycling has been part of Google Maps' repertoire for years now, but there has never been a proper navigation mode for those who prefer to travel on two wheels. That is about to change with a new feature called "light navigation."

This means that instead of going into turn-by-turn navigation like in a car, cyclists will be able to see important details about their route at a glance.

Of course, turn-by-turn navigation is there for those who don't know where they are going and need consistent guidance from Google's navigation machines.

However, it should be noted that cyclists do not always have their phones on display, and this new mode is designed with that in mind.

Therefore, the light navigation screen provides an overview of the entire route, the current ETA, and any elevation changes that may be coming up. The notification bar also displays the destination, estimated time of arrival, and the option to end the trip or share it with someone else. Not very useful if you don't know where you are going, but important information nonetheless.

Unfortunately, this feature is not yet available, but will be rolled out to locations with existing cycling navigation in the "coming months."

Light navigation is part of Google's larger sustainability efforts, and it is not the only big announcement the company made today. The big announcement is that starting today, Google Maps will guide drivers in the U.S. on fuel-efficient routes. If this sounds familiar, that's because Google announced this feature back in May.

Eco-friendly routes use AI to calculate the best route, taking into account traffic volume, optimal driving speed, and stop signals. Not only does it prevent unnecessary emissions, but it also keeps more fuel in the gas tank for longer.

Google also shows the fastest route if it differs from the most eco-friendly option. Likewise, if you prefer to use the fastest route no matter what, you can adjust your preference in the settings menu.

Finally, Google Maps also improves the amount of information available from bike and scooter sharing services. Google Maps will show the location of nearby stations, the actual number of bicycles and scooters available, and where you can park after your trip is over.

The feature will go live in more than 300 cities worldwide, with Berlin, New York, Sao Paulo, and Taipei confirmed directly by Google.