Radspur – Using data to improve bike infrastructure
As part of the EU-funded PilotInnCities project, we have been developing “Radspur”. This is a publicly available app for Android and Apple smartphones that allows cycling enthusiasts to actively participate in anonymous data collection. The data obtained will help local authorities make informed decisions about the expansion of cycling infrastructure.
- App Development
Challenge
Planning a bicycle network is often difficult. In order to identify weak points, gaps, or potential for expansion, there is a particular lack of a solid database. Yet reliable data sources have long been available: smartphones provide all the necessary sensors for collecting and using data.
We want to gather this data in an accessible way to allow cities and communities to improve their infrastructure and plan bicycle network.
- Interreg Danube Region - PilotInnCities
Making cycling visible
"Radspur" is an app-based direct participation system that invites all cyclists to actively collect data without the need for additional devices or complicated handling. The aim is to generate a collaborative and anonymous data picture that reveals actual usage patterns and thus forms the basis for concrete improvements to cycling infrastructure. Cyclists can collect data and participate in the infrastructure planning process in two ways:
Passive data collection: While riding, movement data (GPS) and vibration data are collected when the device is mounted statically on the handlebars.
Active feedback: At the same time, users can actively enter and report dangerous spots, obstacles, or suggestions directly at their current location.
Data collection and data protection
Movement data is highly sensitive information, which is why data protection is central to the app. There is no personal login or registration, and the app is DSGVO-compliant. The anonymized raw data is made available exclusively to the municipality for the purpose of improving cycling infrastructure.
