What changes for riders and drivers
Waze and Garmin announced Live Cycling Alerts on November 10. A cyclist using a compatible Garmin Edge bike computer or smartwatch can opt in through Garmin Connect when starting an outdoor cycling activity. Nearby Waze drivers then see a moving cyclist icon.
Waze describes a global rollout on Android and iOS. That is a rollout announcement, rather than confirmation that every account has received the feature.
The device and sharing requirements
Garmin says the integration requires a compatible smartphone and the Garmin Connect app. LiveTrack is a free feature on compatible Garmin devices; the announcement does not establish support for every watch or bike computer.
Existing LiveTrack sharing with invited family and friends is separate from what Waze displays. The Garmin announcement describes the new Waze sharing as an opt-in, session-based choice.
What Waze drivers can see
According to Waze, drivers receive a temporary nearby-cyclist alert without the rider’s name, identity or exact route. Sharing ends when the cyclist ends the ride on the Garmin device. The presence of a moving location icon should still be distinguished from an absence of location sharing altogether.
Before starting a ride, check the relevant Garmin Connect sharing choice and device compatibility. The announcements provide no measured collision-reduction result or promise that every cyclist on a road will appear.
