How do I share my live location during a long bike ride so friends can follow?

Google Maps is the easiest option and works for friends on iPhone or Android:

1. Open Google Maps and tap your profile picture.
2. Tap Location sharing → New share.
3. Choose Until you turn this off, then select your friends—or copy the link and text it to them.
4. When you’re done, return to Location sharing and tap Stop.

A link can be viewed by anyone who has it, so share it only with people you trust. Sharing needs an internet connection. (support.google.com)

If you use Strava: While recording a ride, open Record → Share Live Location, turn on Beacon, and send the generated text/link to your safety contacts. They can follow in a browser without a Strava account; updates depend on cell service. (support.strava.com)

Before a long ride, charge your phone, bring a power bank, and tell a friend your planned route and check-in time. If you have an iPhone, Find My or Messages can also share your ongoing location with other iPhone users. (support.apple.com)

Most major cycling apps and GPS bike computers have a live-sharing feature. Pick one based on whether you already own a Garmin or use a particular app.

Option 1: Strava Beacon (phone app, free tier)
Strava's free version includes Beacon, which shares your live location with people during the ride. Strava records your rides with your phone's GPS, or pulls them from your bike computer, watch or Zwift, then shares them with your friends and clubs. The free version includes Beacon, which shares your live location with loved ones during the ride.

Option 2: Ride with GPS Live Logging
Start a ride in the app, then use the share menu to enable Live Logging. Download the Ride with GPS mobile app. Tap Record > Start Ride. Tap Tools > Share. Select Enable Live Logging. Your friends then get a link. You can control access to your live tracking with customizable privacy settings.

Option 3: Garmin LiveTrack (if you have a Garmin computer or watch)
Set it up once in Garmin Connect, then start it with your activity. To set up LiveTrack, open the Garmin Connect app. In the Settings menu, click Safety & Tracking. You can then tap LiveTrack and follow the set-up process. When you start via the app you will receive a link to your tracking session. You can manually send this to anyone and they will be able to see where you are and track your progress. Your phone needs to be with you and have a signal. For LiveTrack to work, you must have your phone with you. It must be connected and paired with the Garmin Connect app and if you have an iPhone, the app must be open in the background while LiveTrack is running. Your phone must also have a signal for LiveTrack to work.

Option 4: Trailforks (for mountain bikers on trails)
Trailforks added group location sharing for 2026. It lets you share your live location with trusted groups and see where others are in real time, directly on the Trailforks map.

Option 5: Phone's built-in sharing
If you don't want another app, Google Maps and Apple Find My can share your live location with chosen contacts for a set time. I didn't verify current menu steps in these results, so check your phone's settings.

Tips for a long ride

• Use a power bank, since live tracking drains the phone battery.
• Check that your friends have the link or invite and can open it on their phones before you leave.
• Expect some delay before your position first appears. Once an activity has been started it may take a few minutes for the LiveTrack session to show your current location.
• Remember that the signal matters. Rural stretches without cell coverage can interrupt updates, so tell your friends your planned route and check-in points.
• Only share with people you trust, and turn sharing off when you finish.

If you tell me which phone and bike computer or app you use, I can narrow this to the exact steps.

Sharing your live location during a bike ride is a great way to stay safe and keep friends updated. Depending on your needs—whether you want a simple, free solution or a more integrated cycling experience—there are several reliable ways to do this.

1. The Simplest Options (Free & Easy)

If you just want to let people see where you are without installing specialized cycling gear, these are the most accessible methods:

• Google Maps (Location Sharing):
  • How it works: Open Google Maps, tap your profile icon, select Location Sharing, and then New Share. You can choose to share your real-time location with specific contacts for a set duration (or until you turn it off).
  • Pros: Everyone has it, it’s highly reliable, and it allows your friends to see your progress on a map they already know how to use.
• WhatsApp Live Location:
  • How it works: Open the chat with the person/group you want to share with, tap the "+" or paperclip icon, select Location, and then Share live location.
  • Pros: Extremely easy to start/stop mid-ride and very battery-efficient.

2. Cycling-Specific Apps (For Tracking & Routes)

If you want your friends to see your route, ride stats, and location all in one place, these apps are designed specifically for cyclists:

• Ride with GPS: Highly recommended for its "Live Logging" feature. It allows friends and family to follow your progress, see your route, and view metrics like distance and speed in their browser—no app installation required for them.
• Strava (Beacon): If you use Strava, the "Beacon" feature (often part of their subscription service) allows you to send a link to select contacts so they can track your ride in real time.
• Greenalp: A dedicated live tracking app where you can broadcast your position via a simple link that friends open in any web browser.

3. Dedicated Hardware (Best for Long Rides)

If you are a frequent rider or doing long-distance touring, you may eventually want to move away from using your phone as your primary tracker:

• Bike Computers (Garmin/Wahoo): If you use a device like a Garmin Edge or Wahoo ELEMNT, these have built-in "LiveTrack" features. You can set them to automatically email or text a link to your chosen contacts the moment you start your ride.
  • Advantage: This saves your phone’s battery and ensures your tracking continues even if you use your phone for other things or it gets put away.

Important Tips for Long Rides:

• Battery Management: Live tracking uses GPS and data, which drains your battery. For very long rides, consider bringing a small portable power bank.
• Cellular Coverage: Note that all these apps require a cell signal to broadcast your location. If you are riding in very remote areas, your location will update once you regain service.
• Privacy: Always remember to stop sharing your location once your ride is complete to maintain your privacy.

The easiest option is to use a location-sharing app your friends already have:

• Google Maps (iPhone or Android): Open Maps, tap your profile picture → Location sharing → New share. Pick a sharing duration and your friends, then tap Share. You can send a link to people without Google accounts; links work for up to 24 hours. For a long ride, check that the duration covers the whole ride. ¹
• iPhone: In Find My, go to People → + → Share My Location, choose your friends, and set a duration—such as until the end of the day or a custom time. You can also share ongoing location in Messages. ²

Before setting off, confirm a friend can see you on their map. Keep your phone charged—GPS and mobile data can drain the battery—and consider a battery pack. Mount or stow your phone securely; don’t handle it while riding. Share only with people you trust, and stop sharing when you’re done.