ECOSense and Sniffer Bike: European Bike Sensor Applications and Its Potential to Support the Decision-Making Process in Cycling Promotion

Different bicycle sensor approaches in Europe have improved the existing bicycle database. The question is how and to what degree the results of these projects can be compared. The basis for this discussion are the projects ECOSense (Germany) and Sniffer Bike (Netherlands). ECOSense targeted the question of how to detect the state of the bicycle infrastructure, Sniffer Bike is aiming at providing new knowledge about critical air qualities that endangers cyclists’ health. The paper provides discussion and evaluation of applied methodologies within the projects (e.g., sensor systems, citizen involvement). Results of the degree of citizen involvement and related data analysis parts will be presented. It will be discussed to what extent these findings are compatible and comparable. Data comparison parameters (e.g., number, durations, distances of bike trips, weather influence) and further related Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are identified and presented. Limits of compatibility and comparability of the collected data are discussed. The conclusion shows strategies how stabilize the presented German and Dutch applications beyond the lifetime of the related research projects. Recommendations for future cross border data measurements to increase data quality and comparability are deduced.