The Metropolitan Council is using a smartphone application to get a better understanding of bicyclists’ route and habits, info that will help make the region more bike-friendly. The Council has licensed the use of the app CycleTracks, developed by the San Francisco County Transportation Authority, for use by cyclists in the Twin Cities region.

This application is free to download and use and records your actual bike trips with the help of GPS. CycleTracks also allows users to track their rides. The app sends details of the routes to a centralized database. The Met Council can then use the information on your routes to improve regional transportation planning by giving transportation planners a better understanding of the routes cyclists take.  You can also make notes on road condition and additional safety needs.

If you have a smart phone, give it a try. You can download the application for FREE from Google Play (android) or App Store (iPhone). More information about CycleTracks can be found here.

I have a friend that works for the Met Council, and she says, "The data gets sent right to planners in my office and i know they are excited for some quality user data. this will defintely get used and is a great way to provide feedback on biking facilities in the area."  Cool!  I can't wait to use it on my way home today.

For more information, contact David Vessel at David.Vessel@metc.state.mn.us