Cycling / Innovation / Mobility / Traffic safety
A Look Inside BITS: How Smart Cycling Technology is Transforming Cities
We recently sat down with the team behind BITS (Bicycles and Intelligent Transport Systems) to get their insights on this innovative project. BITS, funded by the Interreg North Sea Region, is focused on making cycling safer, smarter, and more attractive through innovative technology. Over four years, BITS introduced 30 tech solutions in Belgium, Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands. From bright traffic lights to data systems that enhance cycling safety, BITS is helping cities not only reduce CO2 emissions but also become more liveable.
What is BITS?
BITS stands for Bicycles and Intelligent Transport Systems. It’s a project funded by the Interreg North Sea Region that aims to transform cycling by integrating smart technology into daily rides. From smart traffic lights to bike-sharing platforms, BITS introduced over 30 innovative solutions in European cities. The goal was to make cycling safer and more convenient, in order to contribute to reducing CO2 emissions by making our cities greener and healthier.
How did Mobycon contribute to BITS?
At Mobycon, we took on the project management of BITS, representing the Province of Overijssel. We coordinated all project activities, ensured smooth progress, and maintained communication with Interreg NSR and other partners. This dynamic role involved bringing stakeholders together and ensuring the project delivered on its promises.
What makes BITS stand out?
What truly makes BITS unique is its combination of cycling and smart technology. Smart technology often reserved for cars was now being applied to cycling. “We used technology, not for the sake of using technology, but to actually improve cycling conditions,” says Robin Kleine, one of the project managers for BITS. From apps that give cyclists priority at traffic lights, to smart parking systems and data-collecting sensors, BITS is reshaping how cities think about cycling.
Another standout feature of BITS is the collaboration. The project brought together cities, universities, and companies, all working together to bring these innovations to life. With tools like the CycleDataHub, BITS is giving cities access to valuable data that helps improve their cycling infrastructure.
Why vote for the BITS project?
Voting for BITS means endorsing a smarter, greener future for our cities. BITS has shown that technology can be a game-changer for cycling, reducing traffic, cutting CO2 emissions, and improving the quality of urban life. Adding to Robin’s perspective, another project manager Veronique Rietman mentioned: “It’s the first European initiative to integrate cycling with Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), making BITS a pioneer in the smart cycling space.” A vote for BITS is a vote for continued innovation and a greener future.
What’s next?
The success of BITS has paved the way for the next phase: MegaBITS. This follow-up project will take the lessons learned from BITS and scale them up in cities like Copenhagen, Hamburg, and Le Havre. By expanding the CycleDataHub and other ITS tools, MegaBITS will help even more regions embrace smart cycling technologies and build cities that are ready for the future.
There are just a few more days to vote for BITS in the REGIOSTARS awards, as the voting deadline is October 9. Vote for safer and smarter cycling here.
If you’re interested in more information or exploring opportunities to launch similar projects in your municipality or region, feel free to get in touch.
