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

Google Maps is the simplest option if you want friends to follow a live map link:

1. Open Google Maps → tap your profile picture → Location sharing → New share.
2. Choose how long to share. For friends without Google accounts, choose Copy to clipboard and text them the link; link sharing lasts up to 24 hours.
3. Start your ride. Your friends can follow your location in Maps or their browser. Stop sharing when you’re done. (support.google.com)

If you use Strava, its Beacon feature is made for sharing during a recorded activity: go to Record → expand the menu → Share Live Location, turn it on, then send the Beacon text before you start. Friends can view the link without a Strava account. It needs cellular service to update, and sharing ends when you finish the activity. (support.strava.com)

For a long ride: charge your phone, enable location access, and tell a friend your route and expected finish time. If you’ll be somewhere without cell coverage, these phone-based options may stop updating until you reconnect.(support.google.com)

Best option for a bike ride: Strava Beacon (if you already record rides in Strava)

• Open Strava, go to Record, slide the menu up, and select "Share Live Location" to turn Beacon on. You can then add up to three contacts. You can use Strava Beacon when recording with the Strava mobile app to share your location in real time with your family and friends.
• Your friends don't need Strava. Your emergency contacts don't need a Strava subscription to access your live location. They can do this with any browser, as long as they have a stable internet connection.
• The map updates often. Your location should update about every 15 seconds, depending on cell service.
• Sharing stops on its own when you finish. When you end your recording, the link stops working and location sharing ends automatically.
• Beacon is free on the phone app. Any athlete in the world can use Beacon for free when they record an activity with our mobile app. Bike computer or watch integration is a separate matter. One source says Premium users can automatically share their location via their bike computer or their Apple Watch, so check your plan if you ride without your phone.

If you use an iPhone: Find My or Messages

• To share Live Location, both you and the person that you're sharing with need an iPhone with iOS 15 or later.
• In Messages, open the conversation, tap the plus button, and share your Live Location. Your friends can tap the message to see you on a map.
• In Find My, you can pick how long to share: for an hour, until the end of the day, or indefinitely.
• Shared locations also show direction and speed. People that you have shared your location with can even get a sense of the direction that you're traveling in and how fast you're going.

Other options

• On Android, Google Maps is an option. Another source says you can use Google Maps on Android or Apple Maps if you use an iPhone to share ride details in real time.
• WhatsApp, Messenger, and Telegram also offer live location sharing, which works if your group already uses one of them. you can also use WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Telegram to share your live location in real-time.

Tips for a long ride

• Test the setup on a short ride before the big one, and send your friends the link beforehand so they know what to expect.
• Live tracking uses a lot of battery. One source notes that having two apps accessing your device's location simultaneously might drain your battery. Bring a power bank.
• Tracking depends on a signal, so expect gaps in rural areas.

Sharing your live location is a great way to stay safe and keep friends or family updated during a long bike ride. Depending on whether you want a dedicated cycling app or a simple messaging tool, there are several reliable ways to do this.

1. Dedicated Cycling Apps (Best for Athletes)

These apps are designed for cyclists and often provide extra data like route progress and performance stats.

• Strava (Beacon): This is one of the most popular options.
  • How to use: In the Strava app, tap Record at the bottom, then look for the Beacon icon (often represented by a small beacon/antenna symbol) on the recording screen. You can set up "Safety Contacts" who will receive a link to follow your ride in real-time.
  • Note: Beacon is free for everyone when using the Strava mobile app.
• Ride with GPS: This app offers "Live Logging," which allows friends to follow your progress, see your route, and view metrics like speed and remaining distance.
  • How to use: Start a ride in the app, tap Tools > Share, and enable Live Logging.
• Komoot: Known for route planning, Komoot also supports live tracking, making it easy for friends to follow along on your journey.

2. General Navigation & Messaging Apps (Easiest for Anyone)

If you don't want to use a specialized cycling app, these tools are likely already on your phone and work perfectly for simple location tracking.

• Google Maps: This is highly reliable for sharing your trip progress.
  • How to use: Set your destination and start navigation. Swipe up on the information card at the bottom of the screen and tap Share trip progress. Select the contacts you want to share with; they will be able to see your current location and estimated time of arrival until you reach your destination.
• WhatsApp: Perfect for quick, temporary sharing with specific friends or groups.
  • How to use: Open a chat, tap the Attach (paperclip) or + icon, select Location, and then choose Share live location. You can select how long you want to share your location (e.g., 1 hour, 8 hours).

Important Tips for Long Rides

• Battery Life: Live tracking uses your phone’s GPS and data, which consumes battery faster than usual. For very long rides, consider bringing a small portable power bank.
• Cell Service: All these methods require a cellular data connection to update your location. If you are riding in a remote area with no cell service, your location will update once you regain a signal.
• Permissions: Ensure your chosen app has "Always Allow" location permissions in your phone's system settings. If it is set to "While Using the App" only, tracking may stop when your phone screen goes to sleep or you switch apps.

For a long ride, Google Maps is a good cross-platform option; Find My is convenient if you and your friends use iPhones.

• Google Maps: Open Maps, tap your profile picture → Location sharing → New share. Choose a duration, then select your friends or copy a link to send them. A link can share your live location for up to 24 hours; sharing directly with a Google account can be set to continue until you turn it off.¹
• iPhone Find My: Open Find My → People → + → Share My Location, choose your friends and a duration. You can share for an hour, until the end of the day, or indefinitely.²
• WhatsApp: In a chat or group, tap Location → Share live location and choose a duration. You can stop sharing at any time.³⁴

Before you set off, check that location permission is enabled and sharing is working. For a long ride, bring a power bank—GPS and mobile data can drain your battery—and tell a friend your planned route and expected finish time. Stop sharing when you’re done.