App: Cycleloo
Hosted in ArcGIS Online:
Mission Statement
Transportation systems shape the environmental, social, and economic sustainability of our cities. In Canada, transportation accounts for approximately 22% of national greenhouse gas emissions, with the majority stemming from private vehicle use. Urban driving patterns, specifically frequent stop & go conditions at intersections intensify this impact. With emissions growing and contributing to the greenhouse gas effect, the need for more sustainable means of transportation becomes significant in light of climate change and its impacts.
Cycling is a popular form of sustainable and active transportation. However, safety concerns remain one of the greatest barriers to cycling adoption. Research shows that cycling uptake depends heavily on perceived safety, and that inexperienced cyclists require infrastructure that feels physically separated and low-stress. High speed lanes also pose a threat to cyclists, speeds above 50 km/h significantly increase injury risk & severity (Zabielaite & Burinskiene, 2024). Conversely, protected cycling tracks can reduce injury risk by up to 95% outside intersections (Harris et al.), and raised protected intersections can reduce crash risk by up to 80%. Infrastructure design considerations such as lane width, number of lanes, traffic volume, and intersection complexity often influence safety more than posted speed limits alone.
Despite clear evidence supporting safe, connected cycling networks, information about biking infrastructure, such as its coverage, safety, and accessibility, remains fragmented and difficult to interpret. Many individuals are unaware of how existing infrastructure reduces their environmental impact or what safety measures are in place for them.
Our app seeks to accelerate and improve the transition towards sustainable urban mobility by providing a data driven platform that makes cycling infrastructure easy to view, measure, and accessible to all. We provide clear insights to users through mapping existing networks, identifying missing connections, and evaluating safety through high risk factors such as speed limits and intersection design. Our app also quantifies emissions saved when choosing to bike instead of drive, along with a comprehensive layout for both everyday riders and experienced cyclists. Our mission is to provide informed sustainable choices and convince civilians to use a mode of transportation that doesn’t compromise the well being of future generations.
Video Presentation
Documentation
Team Members
Jessica Su: I am a 4th year student in the Geomatics program at the University of Waterloo, specializing in Earth Systems Science and minoring in Computing. I have a particular interest in remote sensing and enjoy looking for ways to automate and improve efficiencies in processes. In my free time I enjoy listening to music and sleeping.
Arjun Santhosh: I am a 2nd year student in the Geography & Environmental management program at the University of Waterloo, with an interest in finding all interests! I currently enjoy learning about spatial analysis and examining patterns in human dimensions such as housing conditions and wealth inequality. My hobbies include playing the bass and watching anime!
Zekiel Foncardas : I am a 4th year Planning student at the University of Waterloo, pursuing a Diploma of Excellence in GIS. I am passionate about making geospatial data accessible to the public and working on urban problems in all their wickedness and complexity. In moments of free time, I like to write, bike, and draw maps.