When it comes to choosing a bike route in Seattle, you can’t always rely on Google Maps. A new “Bike Butler” app allows users to customize their routes to, say, avoid hills. We talk with UW computer science Ph.D. student Jared Hwang about his project. 

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When it comes to choosing a bike route in Seattle, you can&rsquo;t always rely on Google Maps. A new <a href="https://makeabilitylab.cs.washington.edu/project/bikebutler/">&ldquo;Bike Butler&rdquo;</a> app allows users to customize their routes to, say, avoid hills. We talk with UW computer science Ph.D. student Jared Hwang about <a href="https://www.washington.edu/news/2026/04/28/bikebutler-cycling-map-seattle-routes/">his project</a>.&nbsp;
We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. <a href="https://donate.kuow.org/donate/seattlenow">Tap here</a> to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed.&nbsp;
Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at <a href="mailto:seattlenow@kuow.org">seattlenow@kuow.org</a>, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or <a href="https://www.kuow.org/feedback">leave us feedback online</a> or on <a href="https://meet.kuow.org/question/">the KUOW App.</a>

Seattle Now is KUOW's flagship daily news podcast. Seattle Now brings you quick headlines, smart analysis, and award-winning local news. New episodes every weekday morning and afternoon. Start and end your day with Seattle Now, from KUOW and the NPR Network.

Seattle Now is KUOW's flagship daily news podcast. Seattle Now brings you quick headlines, smart analysis, and award-winning local news. New episodes every weekday morning and afternoon. Start and end your day with Seattle Now, from KUOW and the NPR Network.

Seattle Now

When it comes to choosing a bike route in Seattle, you can’t always rely on Google Maps. A new “Bike Butler” app allows users to customize their routes to, say, avoid hills. We talk with UW computer science Ph.D. student Jared Hwang about his project. 