Many people are choosing to reduce their carbon footprint and improve their daily commute by swapping four wheels for two. From improved public health to reduced congestion, it's clear that bikes can play a crucial role in the transition to a greener future. But what exactly does it take to make a city bike-friendly? And, how can technology help to make cycling a more accessible option for everyone?
For centuries, the bicycle has been a symbol of freedom and simplicity. From the penny-farthings of the late 1800s to the sleek, high-tech e-bikes of today, bicycles have been a constant presence in our streets and communities, allowing people with even moderate mobility to get almost anywhere with a push of the peddle.
And now, in the face of a rapidly changing world and a growing need for more sustainable transportation options, the bicycle is once again stepping up to play a crucial role in the green mobility transition. The green mobility transition refers to the shift away from fossil fuel-powered transportation towards more sustainable modes of transportation. With its undeniably low environmental impact, the bicycle is ready to lead the way toward a greener, more sustainable future.
Imagine a city where the air is clean and crisp, the streets are less congested and people are healthier and happier. This is the reality for cities where bicycle usage is on the rise. Currently, the Netherlands is the record-holder for the country with the most cyclists, with almost exactly as many bicycles as citizens. But the city with the most cyclists is actually Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen. Almost 62 percent of Copenhagen’s population use a bicycle for their daily commute to work or school and the city ranked first in terms of cyclist accessibility, right before Amsterdam (NL), and Utrecht (NL).
Increased bicycle usage leads to a range of benefits that directly impact the quality of life for city dwellers.
Firstly, it significantly improves air quality by reducing the number of harmful pollutants emitted from cars and other vehicles. Riding a bike instead of driving once a day can cut down transportation emissions by 67 percent, according to Oxford University's study.
Secondly, it reduces congestion on the roads and makes commuting quicker and more efficient. Commuting with just one person per car is often inefficient, taking up space and wasting energy to run the vehicle.
Thirdly, it promotes public health by encouraging physical activity and reducing sedentary lifestyles. Riding a bike, just like walking, is a type of active transportation that needs physical activity to move forward. A study in the UK showed that commuting by bike is associated with a 45 percent lower risk of getting cancer and a 46 percent lower risk of heart disease compared to driving or taking public transportation.
And lastly, it has a positive impact on the local economy by reducing transportation costs, promoting local businesses and creating new jobs in the bike industry.
In 2010, 7.4 percent of Europeans chose a bike as their main form of transportation, covering a total of 94 billion kilometres. The overall economic benefits of cycling in the EU are estimated to be at least 232 billion USD. Whether you're a daily commuter, a recreational rider or simply someone looking for a better quality of life, there's no denying the incredible impact that bicycles can have when compared with vehicle use.
Despite all their benefits, why is it that bicycles are still not the vehicle of choice for everyone? Only about 7 percent of urban trips are completed with a bike, according to a 2014 report by the Institute for Transportation & Development Policy. The answer could well lie in the lack of proper infrastructure to support and encourage bicycle usage.
To truly make the bicycle a viable option for all, cities must invest in the necessary infrastructure to support this mode of transportation. This includes dedicated bike lanes and paths to ensure the safety of cyclists, secure bike parking to provide peace of mind for riders, maintenance and repair stations to keep bikes in good working order and integration with public transportation to make it easy for cyclists to travel longer distances. When these elements are in place, the bicycle truly has the potential to become the vehicle of choice for all, leading to a greener, more sustainable future for our cities.
In a world where technology is increasingly intertwined with our daily lives, it's no surprise that digital tools can play a crucial role in promoting bicycle usage. From bike sharing and rental systems that make it easy for people to try cycling for the first time, to navigation and route planning apps that help riders find the safest and most efficient routes, technology is making the bicycle more accessible and convenient than ever before. And with the advent of electronic bike lock systems, cyclists no longer have to worry about their bikes being stolen, giving them even more confidence to take to the streets.
Finally, integration with smart city systems, such as traffic management and public transportation systems, is helping to create a more seamless and integrated cycling experience for riders.
Bigger projects like CycleStreets, a social enterprise that provides local cycling app services in the UK with their “Cycling API” or “OpenStreetMap” allow users to access the most suitable cycling routes. Metadata such as quietness, elevation change, as well as images posted by other users, help to inform users and allow local authorities to gather data on bicycle use to justify new bike lanes or car-free zones. Their API is, for example, part of “Better by Bike”, an initiative in the West of England aiming to get their citizens to ride bikes for their health, for commuting, or just for the enjoyment of it.
In the Netherlands, the “ANWB”, “The Royal Dutch Touring Club”, a travellers' association, offers the “Eropuit” app. It shows users a wide range of ideas and information for outdoor activities, including cycling and walking routes, as well as outings.
With options for pre-made ANWB routes, member-created routes, or the ability to create your own, there's something for every kind of cyclist. You can even report bike theft to the authorities over the app.
What makes this app stand out is its integration with other services and activities, like a card payment service or discounts on local offers and activities.
The bike is also getting a new digital upgrade in Germany. Coming in third place on the ranking of most bicycles per capita, it’s no wonder there are more and more German projects innovating the way their citizens navigate, rent and ride.
The bike-community app “Bike Citizens” is a comprehensive cycling solution that goes beyond just a navigation app. The company works in collaboration with cities, businesses, and organizations to support cycling through software solutions, communication, and marketing efforts. Founded in 2011 by bicycle couriers Daniel Kofler and Andreas Stückl, Bike citizens has grown to include locations in Graz and Berlin and a team of over 30 employees. With availability in over 450 cities across 30+ countries, the app makes relaxed and safe cycling accessible to all.
As a core service, the app provides navigation for cyclists of varying experience levels, guiding them along cycle paths and low-traffic side streets to their destination. They promote safe and relaxed cycling, particularly for newcomers and families with children. But even experienced cyclists may discover new routes through the app.
Across the country, bicycle innovation is taking shape, too. “MunichWays” in Munich, “SiBike” in Marburg, and “PrioBike” in Hamburg all offer similar benefits and more. What all of these projects have in common is their shared goal to improve traffic for cyclists using the power of digitalization. Some offer optimized routes to avoid traffic or create an artificial green wave by suggesting the perfect speed to hit green light after green light. All the collected data also helps to find blind spots in the bicycle infrastructure of a city and will help improve bike lanes and intersections in the future.
This could, for example, initiate projects like the “Radbahn Berlin”. This bicycle path project has been in the making for a few years and, once completed, could change the heart of the city, especially for cyclists. The idea is to reclaim and revive that largely unused concrete space below one of the elevated main public transport lines and turn them into a “green artery” that would allow cycle traffic to flow more freely and be protected from other traffic. As for now, a first trial track has been opened to test before renovating the whole route.
As these projects show us: you don’t need to reinvent the wheel to imagine a greener future. The bicycle plays a vital role in the green mobility transition. From improving air quality and reducing congestion to promoting public health and economic growth, the benefits of increased bicycle usage are clear and numerous.
The key to unlocking the full potential of the bicycle is through investment in proper infrastructure and technology. With dedicated bike lanes, secure parking, and easy-to-use digital tools, cities can create a thriving cycling culture and lead the way toward a greener, more sustainable future.
" ["post_title"]=> string(104) "Riding the Green Wave: Exploring the Role of Bicycles and Digital Tools in the Green Mobility Transition" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(173) "Can bikes and technology join forces to create a greener tomorrow? How are cities harnessing the power of digital tools to make cycling the preferred mode of transportation?" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(103) "riding-the-green-wave-exploring-the-role-of-bicycles-and-digital-tools-in-the-green-mobility-transition" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2023-04-26 10:27:12" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2023-04-26 08:27:12" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(27) "https://reset.org/?p=106574" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [1]=> object(WP_Post)#6686 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(37060) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "197" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2017-12-04 09:52:18" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2017-12-04 09:52:18" ["post_content"]=> string(5120) "Bicycles are more than just a handy way to get around - they're a vehicle out of poverty. The NGO World Bicycle Relief shows how.Royce is a volunteer nurse. Until recently she had to cover seven kilometres on foot to visit her three patients. Now that she owns a bicycle, she can visit up to 18 patients a day.Joe is a welder and works with metal. Until now, he's invested most of his income into transporting raw materials - taking it by bus to the next town and back. Now he has a bicycle - his own means of transportation.Or Tamara. Her way to school: four kilometres over rough ground. And before she can set off on her long journey, she faces the daily chores. cooking, cleaning, fetching water and washing dishes. Since July, Tamara and 100 other pupils and teachers from the Kabulanga Primary School whizz to school on bikes.Many rural regions in African countries have little formal infrastructure, and the journey to the next well, school or town is often a long one. In particular people with low incomes have no choice but to cover these distances on foot. Owning a bike can make a huge change, and mean a direct connection to crucial services and education. With a reliable bicycle, distances can be covered that much quicker and products transported from A to B.Bicycles are more than just a handy way to get around - they're a vehicle out of poverty. The NGO World Bicycle Relief shows how." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(75) "world-bicycle-relief-improving-education-access-humble-two-wheeler-12032017" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2021-09-10 15:32:12" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2021-09-10 15:32:12" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(98) "http://reset.org/blog/world-bicycle-relief-improving-education-access-humble-two-wheeler-12032017/" ["menu_order"]=> int(1660) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [2]=> object(WP_Post)#6687 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(35938) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "197" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2017-03-13 03:25:49" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2017-03-13 03:25:49" ["post_content"]=> string(7236) "If we want to ensure our cities are smarter, more liveable and more sustainable in the future, we need to come up with transport solutions that save space and resources. Nüwiel's smart electric bike trailer seems like a clever step in the right direction.Our cities are still very much dominated by cars. To keep traffic moving, multi-lane roads run through our cities, and parking spaces turn valuable space into mere points. And what do we get in return? Smog, noise and particle pollution. And it could all be so different! One key component of the sustainable city of the future is the switch to pedal-powered vehicles. But unfortunately, trying to get around with just a conventional bike, we can soon face logistical difficulties. Armed with NÜWIEL's intelligent trailer, however, things could look very different.We spoke to Natalia Tomiyama, who (together with Fahad Khan and Sandro Rabbiosi) is one of the co-founders of NÜWIEL, about how they came up with the idea of a motorised bike trailer, how it all works, and what her vision is for the city of the future.
© NÜWIEL The three founders (from left to right): Fahad Khan, Natalia Tomiyama, Sandro Rabbiosi.More and more people are leaving their car at home and getting into the saddle. Bicycles aren't just better for the environment - they're often more practical and quicker too. And they can be used anywhere too - whether you're taking a jaunt out into the countryside, or on your daily commute. Find out more about the powerful mix of electric motors and classic bicycles on our blog: Are E-Bikes an Urban Revolution on Two Wheels?
If we want to ensure our cities are smarter, more liveable and more sustainable in the future, we need to come up with transport solutions that save space and resources. Nüwiel's smart electric bike trailer seems like a clever step in the right direction." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(89) "interview-das-startup-nuewiel-hat-einen-fahrradanhaenger-entwickelt-der-mitdenkt-03052017" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2021-11-16 13:05:16" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2021-11-16 13:05:16" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(112) "http://reset.org/blog/interview-das-startup-nuewiel-hat-einen-fahrradanhaenger-entwickelt-der-mitdenkt-03052017/" ["menu_order"]=> int(1973) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [3]=> object(WP_Post)#6681 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(32758) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "339" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2015-03-25 03:00:27" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2015-03-25 03:00:27" ["post_content"]=> string(2383) "
A Guatemalan NGO has unlocked the potential pedal power of discarded bicycles, converting them into practical machines that benefit the local community, transform the lives of small business owners and reduce reliance on electricity and fossil fuels.
Based in the small town of San Andrés Itzapa, high up in the Guatemalan highlands, is the organization Maya Pedal. Since their foundation in 1997, they have recycled hundreds of bicycles donated from the USA and Canada, either reconditioning them and selling them on again, or taking them apart and using the scraps to build a range of so-called bicimáquinas, (bicycle machines), which are run entirely on pedal power and can be used to carry out a huge number of different manual jobs.
Each bicimáquina is made by hand in their workshop, using a combination of old bicycle parts and simple locally-sourced materials. Their range of completely original designs includes water pumps for lifting drinking water from wells and boreholes, grinders for milling coffee and threshing corn, and even bicycle-based blenders, that can be used to produce natural soaps and shampoos from plant products, as well as for making smoothies.
The labour-saving machines are simple to operate and effective, as well as being economical too: because they function entirely without the need for electricity or polluting fuels, users can dramatically reduce their electricity bills whilst doing something for the environment at the same time, not to mention getting a bit of a workout into the bargain.
And if all of that wasn’t enough already, the organization is committed to making its designs open source, and already offers a huge number of them online, entirely for free, complete with user-friendly guides to making your own bicimáquinas at home.
For more information about how you can support the organization – either by making a donation or volunteering your time and experience – visit their official website. And to see some of their fantastical contraptions in action, check out the beautiful short film below:
" ["post_title"]=> string(62) "Maya Pedal: Guatemala’s Upcycled Cycles and Bicycle Blenders" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(275) "A Guatemalan NGO has unlocked the potential pedal power of discarded bicycles, converting them into practical machines that benefit the local community, transform the lives of small business owners and reduce reliance on electricity and fossil fuels.
" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(67) "maya-pedal-guatemalas-upcycled-cycles-and-bicycle-blenders-03222015" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2021-09-10 15:40:17" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2021-09-10 15:40:17" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(90) "http://reset.org/blog/maya-pedal-guatemalas-upcycled-cycles-and-bicycle-blenders-03222015/" ["menu_order"]=> int(2852) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [4]=> object(WP_Post)#6859 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(32659) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "309" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2015-02-26 02:00:45" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2015-02-26 02:00:45" ["post_content"]=> string(2480) "There are tonnes of good ideas that can change the world. Regular readers of RESET will already know of a few. Every month, we will choose one idea that stands out thanks to its impact and innovative approach. Our favourite project in February: Velogista.
Intelligent transport systems will play a central role in the cities of the future to help ease a city's impact on the planet as well as keep vehicle and human traffic light. Transporting goods within the city can be a real problem, though. One solution to this is having goods carted around by bicycle couriers however, many think that bicycles aren't capable of carrying heavier cargo. Well, think again. In urban spots, cargo bikes could be the delivery service of the future – clean, cheap and green.
In Berlin, Germany, a number of passengers hop on to the saddle for the courier company Velogista and transport heavy loads from A to B. The company uses electro-bikes that can reach speeds of up to 25 km/h and each bike is fitted out with a container on the back that can carry up to 250 kg. The company's customers and drivers can even be part of a cooperative. Deliveries are cheaper, drivers are trained, paid fairly and can participate in company decisions.
The project 'Ich ersetze ein Auto' (I replace a car) undertook a study whereby the use and applicability of electro cargo bikes in inner city goods transport was analysed. According to the study ''Due to the dominance of small Gutgrößen and the short distances travelled in the urban courier market, electric cargo bicycles are predestined to replace car trips and thereby help bring about a climate-friendly courier market. About 42 percent of the jobs carried out by vehicles with internal combustion engines...could be substituted with electric cargo bikes."
This means good things for our climate, couriers and city residents – thumbs up!
This article was translated, in part, from the original article written by Hanadi on our German platform.
" ["post_title"]=> string(58) "Thumbs Up! Velogista Is Our Favourite Project of the Month" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(278) "There are tonnes of good ideas that can change the world. Regular readers of RESET will already know of a few. Every month, we will choose one idea that stands out thanks to its impact and innovative approach. Our favourite project in February: Velogista.
" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(53) "thumbs-velogista-our-favourite-project-month-02242015" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2021-09-10 15:40:22" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2021-09-10 15:40:22" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(76) "http://reset.org/blog/thumbs-velogista-our-favourite-project-month-02242015/" ["menu_order"]=> int(2888) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } } ["post_count"]=> int(5) ["current_post"]=> int(-1) ["before_loop"]=> bool(true) ["in_the_loop"]=> bool(false) ["post"]=> object(WP_Post)#6712 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(106574) ["post_author"]=> string(5) "21507" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2023-02-20 09:35:00" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2023-02-20 07:35:00" ["post_content"]=> string(18711) "Many people are choosing to reduce their carbon footprint and improve their daily commute by swapping four wheels for two. From improved public health to reduced congestion, it's clear that bikes can play a crucial role in the transition to a greener future. But what exactly does it take to make a city bike-friendly? And, how can technology help to make cycling a more accessible option for everyone?
For centuries, the bicycle has been a symbol of freedom and simplicity. From the penny-farthings of the late 1800s to the sleek, high-tech e-bikes of today, bicycles have been a constant presence in our streets and communities, allowing people with even moderate mobility to get almost anywhere with a push of the peddle.
And now, in the face of a rapidly changing world and a growing need for more sustainable transportation options, the bicycle is once again stepping up to play a crucial role in the green mobility transition. The green mobility transition refers to the shift away from fossil fuel-powered transportation towards more sustainable modes of transportation. With its undeniably low environmental impact, the bicycle is ready to lead the way toward a greener, more sustainable future.
Imagine a city where the air is clean and crisp, the streets are less congested and people are healthier and happier. This is the reality for cities where bicycle usage is on the rise. Currently, the Netherlands is the record-holder for the country with the most cyclists, with almost exactly as many bicycles as citizens. But the city with the most cyclists is actually Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen. Almost 62 percent of Copenhagen’s population use a bicycle for their daily commute to work or school and the city ranked first in terms of cyclist accessibility, right before Amsterdam (NL), and Utrecht (NL).
Increased bicycle usage leads to a range of benefits that directly impact the quality of life for city dwellers.
Firstly, it significantly improves air quality by reducing the number of harmful pollutants emitted from cars and other vehicles. Riding a bike instead of driving once a day can cut down transportation emissions by 67 percent, according to Oxford University's study.
Secondly, it reduces congestion on the roads and makes commuting quicker and more efficient. Commuting with just one person per car is often inefficient, taking up space and wasting energy to run the vehicle.
Thirdly, it promotes public health by encouraging physical activity and reducing sedentary lifestyles. Riding a bike, just like walking, is a type of active transportation that needs physical activity to move forward. A study in the UK showed that commuting by bike is associated with a 45 percent lower risk of getting cancer and a 46 percent lower risk of heart disease compared to driving or taking public transportation.
And lastly, it has a positive impact on the local economy by reducing transportation costs, promoting local businesses and creating new jobs in the bike industry.
In 2010, 7.4 percent of Europeans chose a bike as their main form of transportation, covering a total of 94 billion kilometres. The overall economic benefits of cycling in the EU are estimated to be at least 232 billion USD. Whether you're a daily commuter, a recreational rider or simply someone looking for a better quality of life, there's no denying the incredible impact that bicycles can have when compared with vehicle use.
Despite all their benefits, why is it that bicycles are still not the vehicle of choice for everyone? Only about 7 percent of urban trips are completed with a bike, according to a 2014 report by the Institute for Transportation & Development Policy. The answer could well lie in the lack of proper infrastructure to support and encourage bicycle usage.
To truly make the bicycle a viable option for all, cities must invest in the necessary infrastructure to support this mode of transportation. This includes dedicated bike lanes and paths to ensure the safety of cyclists, secure bike parking to provide peace of mind for riders, maintenance and repair stations to keep bikes in good working order and integration with public transportation to make it easy for cyclists to travel longer distances. When these elements are in place, the bicycle truly has the potential to become the vehicle of choice for all, leading to a greener, more sustainable future for our cities.
In a world where technology is increasingly intertwined with our daily lives, it's no surprise that digital tools can play a crucial role in promoting bicycle usage. From bike sharing and rental systems that make it easy for people to try cycling for the first time, to navigation and route planning apps that help riders find the safest and most efficient routes, technology is making the bicycle more accessible and convenient than ever before. And with the advent of electronic bike lock systems, cyclists no longer have to worry about their bikes being stolen, giving them even more confidence to take to the streets.
Finally, integration with smart city systems, such as traffic management and public transportation systems, is helping to create a more seamless and integrated cycling experience for riders.
Bigger projects like CycleStreets, a social enterprise that provides local cycling app services in the UK with their “Cycling API” or “OpenStreetMap” allow users to access the most suitable cycling routes. Metadata such as quietness, elevation change, as well as images posted by other users, help to inform users and allow local authorities to gather data on bicycle use to justify new bike lanes or car-free zones. Their API is, for example, part of “Better by Bike”, an initiative in the West of England aiming to get their citizens to ride bikes for their health, for commuting, or just for the enjoyment of it.
In the Netherlands, the “ANWB”, “The Royal Dutch Touring Club”, a travellers' association, offers the “Eropuit” app. It shows users a wide range of ideas and information for outdoor activities, including cycling and walking routes, as well as outings.
With options for pre-made ANWB routes, member-created routes, or the ability to create your own, there's something for every kind of cyclist. You can even report bike theft to the authorities over the app.
What makes this app stand out is its integration with other services and activities, like a card payment service or discounts on local offers and activities.
The bike is also getting a new digital upgrade in Germany. Coming in third place on the ranking of most bicycles per capita, it’s no wonder there are more and more German projects innovating the way their citizens navigate, rent and ride.
The bike-community app “Bike Citizens” is a comprehensive cycling solution that goes beyond just a navigation app. The company works in collaboration with cities, businesses, and organizations to support cycling through software solutions, communication, and marketing efforts. Founded in 2011 by bicycle couriers Daniel Kofler and Andreas Stückl, Bike citizens has grown to include locations in Graz and Berlin and a team of over 30 employees. With availability in over 450 cities across 30+ countries, the app makes relaxed and safe cycling accessible to all.
As a core service, the app provides navigation for cyclists of varying experience levels, guiding them along cycle paths and low-traffic side streets to their destination. They promote safe and relaxed cycling, particularly for newcomers and families with children. But even experienced cyclists may discover new routes through the app.
Across the country, bicycle innovation is taking shape, too. “MunichWays” in Munich, “SiBike” in Marburg, and “PrioBike” in Hamburg all offer similar benefits and more. What all of these projects have in common is their shared goal to improve traffic for cyclists using the power of digitalization. Some offer optimized routes to avoid traffic or create an artificial green wave by suggesting the perfect speed to hit green light after green light. All the collected data also helps to find blind spots in the bicycle infrastructure of a city and will help improve bike lanes and intersections in the future.
This could, for example, initiate projects like the “Radbahn Berlin”. This bicycle path project has been in the making for a few years and, once completed, could change the heart of the city, especially for cyclists. The idea is to reclaim and revive that largely unused concrete space below one of the elevated main public transport lines and turn them into a “green artery” that would allow cycle traffic to flow more freely and be protected from other traffic. As for now, a first trial track has been opened to test before renovating the whole route.
As these projects show us: you don’t need to reinvent the wheel to imagine a greener future. The bicycle plays a vital role in the green mobility transition. From improving air quality and reducing congestion to promoting public health and economic growth, the benefits of increased bicycle usage are clear and numerous.
The key to unlocking the full potential of the bicycle is through investment in proper infrastructure and technology. With dedicated bike lanes, secure parking, and easy-to-use digital tools, cities can create a thriving cycling culture and lead the way toward a greener, more sustainable future.
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Can bikes and technology join forces to create a greener tomorrow? How are cities harnessing the power of digital tools to make cycling the preferred mode of transportation?
Bicycles are more than just a handy way to get around - they're a vehicle out of poverty. The NGO World Bicycle Relief shows how.
If we want to ensure our cities are smarter, more liveable and more sustainable in the future, we need to come up with transport solutions that save space and resources. Nüwiel's smart electric bike trailer seems like a clever step in the right direction.
A Guatemalan NGO has unlocked the potential pedal power of discarded bicycles, converting them into practical machines that benefit the local community, transform the lives of small business owners and reduce reliance on electricity and fossil fuels.
There are tonnes of good ideas that can change the world. Regular readers of RESET will already know of a few. Every month, we will choose one idea that stands out thanks to its impact and innovative approach. Our favourite project in February: Velogista.
