Cycle paths condition mapped via bAIcycle
The bAIcycle project from Sentigrate is one of the winners of the Smart City project call 2023, supported by the City of Brussels. The aim: to use citizen science to classify the condition of the surface of cycle paths, both on the road and on cycle lanes, using a smartphone app.
As we increasingly move away from fossil-fuelled cars and (electric) bikes gain popularity, the state of the road surface becomes extra important for cyclists. So working on these not only means ensuring a safer and more enjoyable bike ride, but also contributing to environmental goals and greener cities!
What is bAIcycle?
bAIcycle is an innovative citizen science solution that allows cyclists themselves to contribute to better cycle paths. By cycling with their smartphones, they automatically collect valuable data. This is because the sensors in smartphones measure vibrations, shocks and swerve. The underlying AI algorithms in the bAIcycle app classify the condition of bike paths based on that data, and so creating an overall indicator of road quality. All information, processed in compliance with privacy laws, is conveniently displayed on a dashboard. Here you can consult the condition of the surface of cycle paths on a map. This helps both cyclists and policymakers to tackle problem areas in a targeted way.
How do I participate?
Anyone who has a bike and a smartphone can participate! You just need to download the app (and follow these step-by-step instructions). If you use it in the City of Brussels, use the code “BXL”, so that the City knows it is its citizens/employees who help contribute. No additional devices or bike modifications are needed. The more people use the bAIcycle app, the more accurate the picture of the cycling infrastructure becomes, and more targeted improvements can be introduced. Please note that if a road is not cycled over for a long time, the score will remain the same even if adjustments were made in the meantime.
Who is bAIcycle for?
- bAIcycle enables citizens to actively contribute to better cycling infrastructure. Through the app, they can see if their streets have been measured and what the quality is. This keeps them involved and gives them and their neighbourhood a safer, more comfortable cycling experience.
- Municipalities get an up-to-date and complete overview of their cycling infrastructure with bAIcycle, instead of relying on outdated measurements. Because citizens collect the data, it costs them few resources. With enough users, the app also provides insights into bicycle use, e.g. how many cyclists ride at certain times of the day. Which enables faster and more efficient policy choices. In addition, bAIcycle is flexibly deployable: it can either be used as a stand-alone app or integrated into existing mobility systems.
Photos © : Sentigrate, Freepik.
