BITS at the EU Regions Week
BITS was presented at two separate virtual information sessions throughout EU Regions Week which took place from the 11th to the 14th of October 2021.
Session 1: “How Intelligent Transport Systems and big data can improve cycling infrastructure”
This session, co-hosted by BITS and Cycling Industries Europe, was moderated by Raymond Gense, Director Future Technology & Public Affairs at Pon. BITS Project Manager Ronald Jorna explained how partners from the North Sea Region came together in a consortium to raise awareness about best practices of “smart cycling”, and to provide implementers with ready-to-use information and evidence.
Following on from this, Kim Verbeek from the Province of Antwerp spoke about the “Cycle Data Hub” and the collection of data links on bicycle use, infrastructure, health, safety, climate impact, and bicycle business performance. These data are essential to give the cyclist more visibility in statistics, analyses, and policy. She encouraged participants to upload their data to the Cycling Data Hub and spread the word among businesses. This opportunity can help companies and start-ups to gain more clients and discuss with regions and municipalities about cycling products.
Finally Sander Veenstra from Witteveen+Bos spoke about the analysis that they carry out to improve conditions for cyclists, focusing on how data enable innovation and can be a foundation for cycling policy.
Check out this session here below
Session 2: Breakout Session on Smart Mobility
In this session Alexander Kamermans from the city of Zwolle and Michael Bloksgaard from the city of Aarhus presented the pilots that are being implemented in these cities within the BITS project.
In Zwolle, they are currently piloting projects such as the Smart Lighting System, interactive systems with the Schwung Biking app, road safety systems, bike parking systems and the Snifferbike that allows the collection of cycle data to measure air quality. Their plan for the next 10 years is to increase cycling by 20% thanks to innovative solutions.
In Aarhus they are carrying out the “Rope Light” project were rope lights are being installed on the roads to safely guide cyclists as in many forested areas normal street lights aren’t possible. They also have “Machine Learning” traffic lights, which give priority at traffic lights to cyclists, and they then monitor the impact of this switch for other road users. “Safety by Radar” is another project which gives cyclists information in high-speed areas about whether or not they should break.
Check out this session here below