Smart city for bicycles: A big step toward sustainable cities

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• December 26, 2022

Insight summary

Cycling is taking center stage in urban planning as cities harness technology to make bike-sharing and commuting safer and more convenient. Smart wearables and apps are providing real-time data that not only improves road safety but also informs city planning and potential business decisions. However, the rapid growth of bike-sharing programs calls for careful management to avoid issues like clutter and waste, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to fostering a bike-friendly environment.

Smart city for bicycles context

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have turned to cycling as a safer and more convenient way to get around in urban areas. This surge in interest has prompted cities to invest in technology to enhance bike-sharing programs. By using connected devices like smart locks and mobile apps, cities are making it easier for residents to locate, unlock, and pay for shared bikes.

Studying the infrastructures of bike-friendly cities such as Amsterdam and Copenhagen makes it easy to understand why bike-centric cities are also the most liveable. Investments in bicycle infrastructure have resulted in a healthier population, less air pollution, and seamless connectivity with neighboring areas. Some cities are now using Internet of Things (IoT) technology and other smart gadgets to further promote cycling as a primary mode of transportation.

Implementation of smart cities for bicycles can begin with small, low-tech investments called “behavioral nudges.” These are subtle improvements to existing infrastructure (such as secure bike parking and cheaper rent for Bluetooth-enabled bikes) to make it easier for people to take up biking. However, it is primarily through integrating interconnected devices that a city can transform itself into a bike haven.

Disruptive impact

The integration of technology into cycling infrastructure, as seen with Sensys Network's GiveMeGreen app, has the potential to significantly improve road safety. By allowing traffic lights to detect cyclists from a distance and change to green automatically, both cyclists and motorists are given advanced notice of each other's presence. This reduces the risk of collisions and makes commuting by bike a more appealing option. Additionally, apps like Strava, which track cycling routes, can provide valuable data to urban planners. This information can help cities understand where cyclists prefer to ride, enabling more targeted improvements in cycling infrastructure.

The data collected from these cycling apps can also be used to identify areas of traffic congestion and potential collision hotspots. By analyzing GPS sensor data and biker routes, cities can make data-driven decisions to optimize traffic flow and reduce accidents. For example, if a particular intersection is shown to be problematic for cyclists, the city may need to consider redesigning it or adding dedicated bike lanes. This kind of data can also be valuable for companies looking to understand commuting patterns, which could influence decisions about office locations or flexible working arrangements.

While the rise of smart cycling infrastructure offers numerous advantages, it's important to manage the growth of bike-sharing schemes carefully. In China, the rapid expansion of dockless bike-sharing has led to an oversupply of unused bikes cluttering metro stations and public spaces. This not only contradicts the aim of creating more sustainable cities but also poses logistical challenges for urban management. 

Implications of smart cities leveraging technology to promote bicycling

Wider implications for smart cities increasingly leveraging technology to promote bicycling in their populations may include:

• The rise of smart wearables for cyclists could lead to more accurate, real-time traffic condition reports, enhancing the efficiency of urban transportation networks.


• Increased use of wearables that monitor air pollution levels may lead to greater public awareness and advocacy for cleaner urban environments.


• The development of wearables with accident prevention features, such as collision alerts, could reduce healthcare costs related to cycling accidents.


• Cities dedicating specific departments or roles like "bike mayors" to oversee cycling infrastructure could result in more cohesive and effective urban planning.


• The creation of government bodies focused on cycling may lead to new public-private partnerships, offering companies specialized in cycling technology a more direct route to collaborate with cities.


• Urban planners prioritizing cycling infrastructure in new road construction could shift the real estate market, making areas with good cycling routes more desirable.


• Reclaiming underused urban spaces to create bike-friendly areas may lead to increased property values and local business revenue as these areas become community hubs.


• A focus on cycling infrastructure leading to job creation in urban planning, civil engineering, and technology development, specifically tailored to enhance cycling experiences.

Questions to consider

• Would you consider cycling more often in your city or town if there were bike-friendly infrastructure and technology?


• How else do you think cycling can improve cities?