Sources and Use of Bicycle Traffic Data in Research and Urban Mobility Management

Understanding cycling mobility is essential for developing sustainable urban transport policies. However, variations in data collection methods and a lack of standardized approaches hinder comprehensive analysis and evidence-based decision-making. This study examines how cycling data are gathered ac...

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Main Authors: Emilia Teresa Skupień, Szymon Fierek
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:Urban Science
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2413-8851/9/4/127
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author Emilia Teresa Skupień
Szymon Fierek
author_facet Emilia Teresa Skupień
Szymon Fierek
author_sort Emilia Teresa Skupień
collection DOAJ
description Understanding cycling mobility is essential for developing sustainable urban transport policies. However, variations in data collection methods and a lack of standardized approaches hinder comprehensive analysis and evidence-based decision-making. This study examines how cycling data are gathered across different cities, the insights they provide, and how existing methods can be improved. The scientific literature and policy guidelines are examined, combined with an empirical study analyzing data collection practices in several Polish cities. This paper reveals inconsistencies in data collection techniques, including differences in sensor-based tracking, manual counting, and survey methodologies. Moreover, while some cities employ advanced technologies such as automated counters, others rely on fragmented or irregular data sources. This study highlights best practices observed in international research and policy recommendations, which could guide the refinement of cycling data collection strategies. By identifying common gaps and challenges, recommendations for improving data standardization, integration, and accessibility are proposed. The results contribute to a better understanding of how cities can enhance their cycling data frameworks to support sustainable mobility planning and policy development.
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spelling doaj-art-1e6e4cb119754d76ac004dbb3dc246882025-08-20T02:18:15ZengMDPI AGUrban Science2413-88512025-04-019412710.3390/urbansci9040127Sources and Use of Bicycle Traffic Data in Research and Urban Mobility ManagementEmilia Teresa Skupień0Szymon Fierek1Department of Technical Systems Maintenance and Operation, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wroclaw, PolandDepartment of Civil and Transport Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965 Poznan, PolandUnderstanding cycling mobility is essential for developing sustainable urban transport policies. However, variations in data collection methods and a lack of standardized approaches hinder comprehensive analysis and evidence-based decision-making. This study examines how cycling data are gathered across different cities, the insights they provide, and how existing methods can be improved. The scientific literature and policy guidelines are examined, combined with an empirical study analyzing data collection practices in several Polish cities. This paper reveals inconsistencies in data collection techniques, including differences in sensor-based tracking, manual counting, and survey methodologies. Moreover, while some cities employ advanced technologies such as automated counters, others rely on fragmented or irregular data sources. This study highlights best practices observed in international research and policy recommendations, which could guide the refinement of cycling data collection strategies. By identifying common gaps and challenges, recommendations for improving data standardization, integration, and accessibility are proposed. The results contribute to a better understanding of how cities can enhance their cycling data frameworks to support sustainable mobility planning and policy development.https://www.mdpi.com/2413-8851/9/4/127urban mobilitybicycle databicycle traffic
spellingShingle Emilia Teresa Skupień
Szymon Fierek
Sources and Use of Bicycle Traffic Data in Research and Urban Mobility Management
Urban Science
urban mobility
bicycle data
bicycle traffic
title Sources and Use of Bicycle Traffic Data in Research and Urban Mobility Management
title_full Sources and Use of Bicycle Traffic Data in Research and Urban Mobility Management
title_fullStr Sources and Use of Bicycle Traffic Data in Research and Urban Mobility Management
title_full_unstemmed Sources and Use of Bicycle Traffic Data in Research and Urban Mobility Management
title_short Sources and Use of Bicycle Traffic Data in Research and Urban Mobility Management
title_sort sources and use of bicycle traffic data in research and urban mobility management
topic urban mobility
bicycle data
bicycle traffic
url https://www.mdpi.com/2413-8851/9/4/127
work_keys_str_mv AT emiliateresaskupien sourcesanduseofbicycletrafficdatainresearchandurbanmobilitymanagement
AT szymonfierek sourcesanduseofbicycletrafficdatainresearchandurbanmobilitymanagement