Garmin prepares integration to alert Waze motorists of cyclists on the road

Garmin appears to be building an integration with Waze that would alert motorists when a cyclist is traveling nearby, according to code discovered in version 5.31 of the Garmin Connect app for Android. Strings in the application, such as "Share your rides with Waze" and "Waze Location Sharing," indicate that Garmin plans to transmit a rider's LiveTrack position directly into Google's navigation app during an active cycling session. [2][3]

The feature is designed as an optional tool with onboarding screens and a dedicated consent flow, requiring cyclists to opt in manually before any location data passes to Waze. Drivers would not need Garmin hardware to view the alerts, which aim to improve awareness around bends, on narrow streets, and during poor visibility. However, the code leaves out key details, including whether the feature requires Garmin's $6.99 monthly Connect+ tier, which specific smartwatches or Edge computers are supported, and how riders will visually appear on the Waze map. [2][3]

While Garmin already offers its Varia radar to warn cyclists about approaching cars from behind, this feature flips the dynamic by warning motorists ahead of time. Neither company has officially announced the partnership, and features spotted in application code can change or remain unreleased. [2][3]