Automatic Bike Path Analysis (ABPA)

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Photo: Outdooractive Editors

The goal of the ABPA project is to implement an AI-based, automated monitoring of paths used by bicycles. By using AI-based analysis, the conditions of bicycle paths can be evaluated and assessed. The system thus enables area-wide data collection and provision and contributes to the development of new opportinities for bicycle logistics, the optimization of path maintenance and improved digital driven route planning.

Was ist das Forschungsprojekt ABPA?
Video: Mobility Hub | HFU

Problem statement and background

Bicycles, e-bikes and cargo bikes have become indispensable in the development of new mobility concepts. With the continuing increase in the number of cyclists, the demands on bike paths and all other paths used by bicycles are increasing. To date, there is no automated and continuous real-time analysis of cycle paths and their conditions in Germany. The provision of relevant information on cycling infrastructure is an important part of the future development of the cycling sector and contributes to an environmentally friendly mobility transition.

Project goals

The aim of the project is to get a better understanding on AI-based monitoring of the condition and state of cycle paths. In addition to analyzing the current state and defining the target state of the data availability, possibilities of an automated, AI-based analysis for the usability of the paths will be investigated, prototypically implemented and evaluated. Furthermore, a digital provision of information on the road surface and obstacles, the development of applications for bicycle logistics and bicycle route planning and a process optimization of path maintenance are planned.

Photo: FH Furtwangen

How detailed is the digital data availability on the properties and surface condition to the bike path infrastructure in Germany?
How can more detailed statements be made about the usability and characteristics of paths used by bicycles through analyses of data recorded with optical and other sensors?
How can an area-wide data collection be guaranteed with the application of a mobile system?
How can a reliable information provision on the usability of paths by bicycle or cargo bike be ensured?
How can continuous inspection and maintenance of the cycle paths be ensured?
How can the analyzed data be used to improve the processes of the authorities and ensure continuous maintenance of the paths in order to avoid accidents involving cyclists?
How can existing digital maps be enhanced with the help of the analyzed data and thus create added value?
How can transport routes be better planned and implemented by means of detailed information on the usability of cycling paths?
Which added values can be created for bicycle logistics from a more detailed and better documented cycle path network infrastructure?

The role of Outdooractive

Data on the condition and quality of bike paths is not yet available on larg scale and can only be partially gathered, although it is an important factor for bike route planning. As an industrial partner, Outdooractive supports this research project with expertise in the field of geodata management and cycle route planning and analyzes the actual/target state of the existing and necessary geodata infrastructure. The industrial research tasks include the areas of evaluation, exploitation, scaling and implementation of the generated data and demonstrators. In terms of mobility transition, the project aims to bring the topic of cycling even more into the public focus. Based on project results, recommendations will be made for the future data strategy of the BMVI with regard to the development of a digital data infrastructure for the German cycling route network.