Citizen science makes cycling in Brussels more fun
To make cycling in the city even more enjoyable, Brussels and Mobile enlisted 21 local cyclists to collect their own data on the cycling network with PING, an innovative citizen science tool.
Cyclists as experts
According to the Brussels Cycling Observatory, the number of cyclists in Brussels increased by half in 2016. This is good news. Yet there is still a long way to go to make Brussels a true cycling city. For instance, are there still missing links in the cycling network? Are there bike paths that need reconstruction? Or are there places in Brussels where cyclists do not feel safe?
The Brussels Capital Region, Mobile 21 and Bike Citizens decided to seek answers to these questions. Together with Brussels cyclists. After all, they are experts by experience and therefore know best what needs to be done to make cycling in Brussels more enjoyable.
Citizen science with PING
To gather insights and data on their cycling experiences, as many as 1,000 Brussels cyclists were given a PING button. This is a small push button that you attach to the handlebars of your bike. Every time you encounter an unsafe or unpleasant traffic situation on your bike on the road, you press the button. You make a PING. Dangerous car driver? PING! Poor cycling infrastructure? Also PING!
Via Bluetooth, the button sends all those PINGs, along with their location, to an app on your smartphone. Once you arrive at your destination, you can provide some more information about each PING, using predefined categories.
PING in Brussel
Citizen science makes cycling in Brussels finer
Between May 2017 and January 2018, Brussels cyclists collected tens of thousands of PINGs. All that data resulted in a detailed cycling map of Brussels, with bottlenecks and conflicts as perceived by cyclists themselves. Brussels will now use these insights to adjust its priorities, adjust its investments in cycling infrastructure and refine its awareness campaigns. Targeted and tailored to local cyclists.
Also in your town or city
Today, PING is also available to other cities and towns. Want to discover how this innovative citizen science tool helps you make cycling even more enjoyable?
Questions about PING?
Our colleague and citizen participation expert, Elke Franchois, is happy to help. Contact her using the form below.
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