Denver’s See.Sense Smart Cycling Study Delivers Initial 500 Million Data Points
Following the project launch of the See.Sense & Denver Smart Cycling Study in late April, our selected cyclists have been responsible for the collection of nearly 500 million sensor readings, covering 12,000 miles of streets and multi-use trails. These volunteers are contributing to the collection of data that is groundbreaking – the first-ever cycling safety data project using this technology in the United States.
This project provides us an opportunity to understand where cycling safety is an issue before a crash occurs.
We’ve reached a great milestone for the project, but we have a way to go to get enough data to provide a comprehensive assessment. With your continued riding and use of your lights, we’ll get there.
If you want to see an example of what’s possible here is a report from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents in the United Kingdom using See.Sense data.
Preliminary Data Insights from Denver
Here is an exclusive look at some early trends in the data.
Route Popularity
At a basic level, route popularity shows the highest use routes taken by cyclists in the study. The results of this set are fairly predictable in this early phase, but as more data is collected, we will be able to identify trends that show what routes cyclists are using and also what routes are being avoided.
Swerving, Braking, and Road Surface
Using West 13th Avenue as an example corridor, it is evident that the existing conditions of the street are impacting cycling conditions along the route. There are noticeable differences in cyclists swerving and braking more where there are rough road surfaces, as indicated in this data set.
Get others to join the study
Even if you weren’t selected for the initial participant group, you can still participate in the study
See.Sense is offering 25% to Denver residents here – use discount code DOWNTOWN837A If you purchase your own light, and the Smart City code “4DENVER” in the application settings. “4DENVER” in the application settings.
This study will continue through next April, so please continue to use your lights as much as possible in the coming months. With more data we will be able to provide information to project stakeholders that furthers analysis of safety around bicycle facility types, delay at intersections, and corridor speeds.
