Strava Adds Local Heatmap Layer for Route Planning

Strava has rolled out a new Local Heatmap layer in its route planner. Riders planning a route in any major city can now overlay a heatmap showing where the local cycling community actually rides, segmented by activity type (commute, road ride, gravel, mountain bike).

Privacy baked inThe heatmap is generated from opted-in public activities only, and Strava applies spatial aggregation (hexagonal cells, minimum 100 m) to prevent individual route reconstruction. Privacy Zones (Strava鈥檚 existing feature that hides activity start/end points near home addresses) are respected.

Why it鈥檚 usefulFor someone visiting a new city, the heatmap immediately surfaces the roads and trails that local cyclists trust 鈥?separated bike lanes, low-traffic climbs, popular training loops. For locals, it can reveal quieter alternatives to over-used main roads.Available now on Strava web and in the iOS / Android apps. Free for all subscribers; Metro and Local Heatmap filters require a Strava subscription.