TRAFFIC < OF > DATA in South-West Flanders, Belgium

Dashboard ‘bicycle trends’

The needs of local stakeholders were screened, as well as the available data sources and data providers. Based on this input, the decision was made to focus on the use case of unlocking and visualizing cycling data for local decision making. Then, a first concept for the dashboard was made. This comprises a geolocation (map view) + analysis module (power BI report). Underlying data structures and flows were constructed via a temporary setup, and the internal processes and agreements were fine-tuned. The concept is being tested by the mobility officers of Kortrijk, before it is dispersed to the mobility officers of other municipalities within the region of south West-Flanders. 

Aurelie Van Obbergen, Intercommunale Leiedal:

“Developing a data application starting from a concrete question, raised by mobility professionals and rooted in their everyday practice, helped create awareness on the potential of data driven solutions to support policy making and engage a broad group of stakeholders.”

Extension of data capture network throughout the region 

The dashboard ‘bicycle trends’ visualizes the existing network of countings and sensors and unlocks their data in an analysis module, showing both the evolution in cycling numbers as the blind spots in data capture. To expand the data capture, different approaches are used:

• A possibility of using existing sensors for different types of modes (car, bicycle, ...) was investigated. A comparative study of bicycle counts by different types of sensors revealed differences between different types and identifying key elements in operations and installation as to ensure optimal data capture.
• Expanding the number of sensors on the territory, to reduce remaining blind spots is another option. Different types of sensors will be tested to compare specifications and output and to find a type of sensors suitable for different specific locations throughout the region.
• Expanding the network with sensors from other governments is a further idea. For this purpose, contacts were made with other governments that also conduct bicycle counts in the region. The necessary arrangements were made to extract and use their data. 
• Furthermore, a knowledge exchange with other projects, including exchange with Flanders on the development of the Mobility Dataspace and standards (data standards + standard for exchanging event streams: Linked Data Event Streams) is ongoing.

Inge Wydhooge, Intercommunale Leiedal:

“Whereas the front-end of the dashboard is seemingly finished, a lot of work is done in the background (and still to be done). Issues on technical level, governance challenges and ethical questions are coming together and made visible by working together on this concrete project.”

Setting up a regional data ecosystem

A proof of concept database was set up to test out the various building blocks of the regional data ecosystem. Among other things, steps have already been taken to arrive at a common methodology of data processing (data pipeline), data sharing and exchange between local administrations, data storage, security, etc.

Training modules on legal and ethical aspects of data

VIVES University has conducted research on legal and ethical dimensions. This will flow into two training modules (GDPR and Ethical Alignment) aimed at addressing key aspects of data protection and ethical alignment. The trainings are designed to provide practical guidance and insights to data stakeholders into navigating the complex landscape of legal and ethical considerations.

Easier access to data sources and greater transparency will promote cooperation between different administrative levels and regional organisations. The data-based communication between citizens, companies and other stakeholders in the field of mobility created greater transparency and acceptance.