Add Turn by turn directions to Mobile App Routes/Recording

[Brendan]

Please add turn by turn audio directions so we don’t have to always be looking at our phone while on an activity. I’d personally use this for cycling but I imagine it’s useful for many other activities as well. 

Pros

• If you need to save battery you could turn your phone screen off and navigate purely by the audio directions. (For activities where you may be watching the app mid-activity, like cycling)
• Saves you from the disruption of pulling out your phone for directions mid-activity. Stay in your flow!
• Not having to look at your phone in a busy area is safer, especially on a bike.
• Completes Strava as a navigation app, meaning less need for other devices, and people are more likely to subscribe for Strava Premium. 

[engividal]

When using Strava for cycling, I quickly realized that it is nearly impossible to use without proper navigation functionality. The absence of "turn-by-turn" is frustrating and results in incomplete and inefficient routes. On numerous occasions, I had to stop my ride to check the correct direction, as the app simply doesn't provide real-time guidance. This problem becomes even more aggravated in unfamiliar environments or complex trails.

Regrettably, the situation doesn't improve for runners either. The absence of "turn-by-turn" also makes the running experience on Strava impractical and, in some cases, even dangerous. After all, how can one maintain a steady pace while constantly looking at the phone screen to check the next turn? This poses a significant risk to the runner's safety and considerably affects the enjoyment of the activity.

However, the most concerning point is the safety risk cyclists face when trying to use their phones while riding. Without the "turn-by-turn" function, many cyclists are tempted to look at their phone's screen for route information, which can lead to dangerous distractions and increase the chances of accidents. Cyclist safety should be a priority, and it's worrying that Strava doesn't provide an effective solution for navigation during cycling.

Additionally, the most worrying drawback is that, without proper navigation functionality, Strava's much-anticipated route feature becomes incomplete and disappointing. Instead of offering a comprehensive solution for outdoor sports enthusiasts, the app leads us to rely on other tools to compensate for this deficiency. This not only creates a fragmented experience but also makes us question the true utility of Strava as a singular solution for tracking and planning our activities.

Upon researching the issue, I came across several YouTube videos where other users expressed their frustrations about the lack of "turn-by-turn" on Strava. This is a widely discussed matter within the community, and the demand for a solution is evident.

In conclusion, it is clear that Strava urgently needs to implement the "turn-by-turn" feature to enhance the experience for cyclists and runners. The safety risk for cyclists who need to use their phones while riding is a serious concern that cannot be ignored. Without this improvement, using the app for outdoor activities will continue to be a challenge, and users will resort to other tools, hindering the integration of information and features. I hope the developers of Strava take these considerations into account and work to enhance the app, making it a comprehensive and safe tool for all types of physical activities. Until then, I will consider other options that may address these deficiencies and provide a more satisfying experience.

[engividal]

https://www.reddit.com/r/Strava/comments/iu0um1/turn_by_turn_navigation/

more discussions about the topic!

[Jtme1]

I moved back to Strava after about 7 years hoping that they had caught up with the times and added turn by turn directions on the paid version on the android app. Shock on me, Nothing yet and I had to keep pressing my location icon while biking in order to zoom in my direction. I hope Strava realizes not everyone has a wahoo/garmin on their bikes.

Come on Strava, this is something you can pull out easily.

[Eskimo007]

I recently acquired an adequate phone handlebar mount so I could see my route since I couldn't "hear" it in my iPods, and not have to twist around and pull my phone out of my back pocket while riding, which twisted my back a few weeks ago and was dangerous and inefficient.  Adjusted my "turn screen off" timers and such so the phone stayed on, made more feasable by the fact that the case/mount came with an auxiliary battery.  Question now is that since I can monitor my progress,, the phone (Strava) is showing displays which I never noticed before, and don't know what it means.  Anyone?

[engividal]

Those displays might be related to competition among people who have used the same route segments. You can compete against others' times on specific segments of the route. You can minimaze this screen o click on stop when the screen appear.

Unfortunately, routes was delivered incomplete on strava. You can export the route data from Strava and use platforms like "Ride with GPS" or "Samsung Health" (for Samsung users) to use turn by turn feature. 

[Eskimo007]

Interesting lead about exporting a route from Strava to RideWithGPS for turn by turn (audio?) feature.  Going to try that, and maybe after riding more with the app visible on my handlebars I will understand better what those displays mean exactly.  I found out that if I swipe down, I can get rid of them and go back to the route map I meed.

[cave4runner]

I won't be purchasing the premium without audio Turn by Turn functionality. 

[Eskimo007]

And thinking of canceling after many years and going to Google Maps Cycling routes functionality (with turn by turn audio obviously)

[erhand]

This is the biggest miss when it comes to functionality in Strava. There is no point in having route mapping without built-in audio directions - looking at your phone while running or biking is not only awkward and a disruption to the acitivty, but can also be very dangerous.

Adding this feature would greatly improve the user experience and attract more customers, especially when other apps have this functionality.

[jbucky1]

Piling on here so Strava will get more input on TbT directions from a Strava created route and develop as a feature.

I use both Strava and RWGPS

Currently I publish route with RWGPS on www.buckyrides.com but it would be nice to have another option.

[Eskimo007]

Is it possible to take a Strava route, export it, import it into Google Maps, and tell google maps you want to use that route? Anyone?

[Aabiker]

Also needed for when sun washes out screen, currently trialing bikemap which already has this

[Aabiker]

I just canceled my paid subscription due to the lack of this feature

[rveloso]

I have no idea why after so many years of asking this feature, this is still not available in Strava! Huge ask from the community to add the turn by turn audio directions, way safer than looking at a screen in strava while you are biking! Please get this done!

[mguttilla]

This would save hours of exporting GPX devices and using other Apps like Ride GPS