Garmin and Waze launch alerts for nearby cyclists

Garmin and Waze announced Live Cycling Alerts on November 10, allowing participating cyclists using compatible Garmin devices to appear as moving icons in the Waze app for nearby drivers. The feature is intended to make drivers aware of cyclists on the road, but the announcement provides no evidence of a measured effect on crashes or other safety outcomes.

Cyclists must opt in through the Garmin Connect app while recording an outdoor cycling activity. The setup requires a compatible Garmin Edge bike computer or smartwatch and a compatible smartphone. Once enabled, the rider’s LiveTrack location is shared with nearby Waze users during that activity, and sharing ends with the session.

Drivers using Waze can see a moving cyclist icon and receive an alert when a participating rider is nearby. The alert is limited to riders who enable the feature and drivers using the app; it does not represent every cyclist on the road.

Garmin and Waze say the integration does not display cyclists’ names or other personal identifying information to drivers. The companies describe location sharing as temporary and session-based. LiveTrack has traditionally allowed Garmin users to share ride...