As we previously reported, after code hints were uncovered inside Garmin Connect, the features pointing toward a major safety bridge between Garmin devices and Waze were clear. Now, it is officially here. Garmin and Waze have rolled out a first-of-its-kind feature that lets cyclists share their active ride locations directly with drivers using the Waze navigation app.
Here is a breakdown of how the new tool works, what it means for road safety, the hardware you need, and some of the early bumps and questions facing the rollout.
How the Garmin and Waze Integration Works
The system is designed to bridge the gap between two entirely different worlds: cyclists trying to stay safe on open roads and drivers who might not spot them in time.
When you head out for an outdoor ride using a compatible Garmin Edge bike computer or Garmin smartwatch paired with your phone, you can opt-in to share your LiveTrack location with Waze. As you pedal along, nearby drivers using Waze will see a live cyclist icon and a notification warning them that a rider is ahead.
Privacy and convenience have been built into the core of the feature. The location sharing starts automatically the moment your outdoor ride begins and stops completely as soon as you finish. Waze and Garmin have also confirmed that a rider’s personal name, identity, and specific route are never shared with passing motorists.
Compatible Garmin Devices
To use the new Waze live safety alerts, you do not need a paid Garmin Connect subscription, but you do need hardware that supports Garmin LiveTrack paired to a smartphone running the Garmin Connect app.
While Garmin is rolling out support across a broad range of its ecosystem, compatible devices include:
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Garmin Edge Bike Computers: Units equipped with LiveTrack capabilities—such as the Edge 1060, Edge 1040, Edge 840, and Edge 540 series—fully support broadcasting your ride data to Waze.
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Garmin Smartwatches: Modern outdoor and multi-sport watches with LiveTrack support are compatible, including flagship models like the Fenix 9 Series, Fenix 8 series, Enduro 4 and 3, Forerunner series (such as the Forerunner 970 and 965), and other contemporary fitness watches connected via the Garmin Connect mobile app.
Why This Matters for Road Safety
For years, safety gear for cyclists has focused on protecting the rider after a car gets too close. Rear-facing bike radars tell you when a car is approaching from behind, and blinking taillights try to make you more visible.
However, those tools only warn the cyclist—they do nothing to alert a driver who might be speeding around a blind country bend or distracted behind the wheel. By putting a live warning directly onto the car’s navigation screen, this integration gives drivers a vital heads-up to slow down and share the road long before visual contact is made.
Potential Hurdles and Open Questions
While the concept is a massive win for road safety, analysts and riders have pointed out a few practical challenges with the new rollout:
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Limited Driver Reach: The alerts only appear for drivers who actively have the Waze app open. Google Maps, which boasts a vastly larger user base, is not part of this initial launch.
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Adoption and Coverage: Because the system relies entirely on individual cyclists opting in through Garmin Connect and other riders staying home, drivers won’t see a warning for every single bicycle on every road.
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Device Breadth: While newer units handle the feature seamlessly, users with older legacy hardware are still waiting on definitive compatibility lists to see if their specific watch or computer will make the cut.
Despite these initial limitations, the rollout marks a major step forward in connected road safety. It turns everyday fitness hardware into an active beacon, helping ensure more cyclists get home safely after every ride.
Also Read: Garmin Hints at Price Increases for Smartwatches Heading into 2027
