Transport for London (TfL) has launched the Cycling Infrastructure Database for the city, describing it as the largest of its kind.
It contains the location of more than 240,000 pieces of infrastructure such as cycle lanes and parking spaces, and has been made available to all of London’s boroughs and released as open data for third party developers. There are plans to invite app developers to a hackathon later this year to explore ways to use the data.
The move has been prompted partly by TfL’s research indicating that many cyclists feel uncomfortable about setting off on a journey without knowing what to expect, particularly when it comes to finding a protected cycle lane or a place to park.
It said the database has already been used to upgrade its own Journey Planner and to develop the Cycle Parking Implementation Plan, and that it will make it possible to plan future investment in cycling more effectively.
Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: “Last year London saw the quickest growth in cycling journeys on record, but we must continue to do everything we can to make cycling easy and convenient for everyone.
“TfL’s Cycling Infrastructure Database is the biggest collection of cycling information anywhere in the world, and has the potential to transform the way we think about cycling. It means that wherever you live or work in the capital you can properly plan your journey from beginning to end, knowing the quickest and safest route through every London neighbourhood.
“With the open data being available to councils, developers, policy makers and anyone who wants it, it will be a really useful tool for planning new cycling investment in years to come.”
Image from TfL
