MegaBITS partner Cycling Industries Europe (CIE) is pleased to announce its participation in the European Commission's ITS Advisory Group, a strategic platform under DG Move. The ITS Advisory Group is instrumental in guiding the implementation of the ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) Directive, a key initiative aimed at modernizing transportation across Europe through the integration of advanced technologies in this sector.
The inclusion of CIE in this group marks a significant milestone for cycling and ITS and is a reflection of the historical and on-going impact MegaBITS is making beyond the Interreg North Sea Region (NSR). This support has enabled projects like MegaBITS (and previous to this, BITS) which have rolled-out innovative cycling ITS flagships, helping develop world-leading experience and expertise for cycling in this area.
Over the next four years, CIE will actively contribute to DG Move’s work programme for ITS, ensuring that cycling is prominently featured in the development of intelligent transport solutions. CIE will be actively engaged in the Group’s activities related to Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) that will work “to ensure common EU specifications to ensure compatibility, interoperability, and continuity” throughout the EU for C-ITS services. Equally, there is significant room for cycling to contribute to the Group’s work regarding enhanced traffic and incident management, where standardisation efforts will be carried out in regards to volume, traffic patterns, parking and infrastructure for cycling.
This involvement aligns with CIE's ongoing efforts to standardize and promote cycling data, particularly through its participation in the NAPCORE (National Access Points Coordination Organization for Europe) initiative. NAPCORE is focused on creating harmonized data standards that are essential for integrating cycling into the broader ITS framework, enhancing the safety, convenience, and overall experience for cyclists across Europe.
Moreover, CIE's engagement in the MegaBITS project further underscores its commitment to advancing ITS technologies. The MegaBITS project, funded by the Interreg North Sea Region programme, aims to deploy cutting-edge ITS solutions in five flagship regions and cities, demonstrating the practical benefits of these technologies in real-world settings.
The integration of cycling data within the broader ITS ecosystem is critical for the advancement of cycling infrastructure, safety, and user experience. By collaborating with other stakeholders in the ITS Advisory Group, CIE aims to ensure that cycling remains a key component of Europe’s transport future, fostering a more sustainable, efficient, and cyclist-friendly environment across the continent.