The MegaBITS Partners met in Antwerp under remarkably sunny and warm spring conditions on the 19th and 20th of March for a Steering Group Meeting to discuss developments in the project, the future of smart cycling, data integration, and urban mobility across Europe. Over two days, representatives from the various flagship projects and partner cities collaborated on project updates, strategic discussions, and forward-looking initiatives.
Carousel Discussions: Collaborative Insights for the Future
A key interactive element of the meeting was the carousel activity, where flagship partners engaged in one-on-one discussions with the Project Management Team (PMT), Evaluation, Communications, and Data teams. This dynamic session provided a platform for in-depth exchanges on critical areas such as data integration, evaluation strategies, and communication efforts. Key takeaways from the carousel activity included:
- Data Onboarding Challenges: Partners discussed how datasets could be shared effectively, addressing concerns about data accessibility and added value.
- GDPR and Cycling Data: A growing need to develop clear guidelines on data privacy and compliance within the MegaBITS framework.
- Smart Cycling Roadmap: Aligning the development of the Smart Cycling Platform with funding opportunities and defining clear next steps.
A ‘Smart Cycling Platform’ for the Future
The session on smart cycling explored the creation of a Smart Cycling Platform, where potential collaborations with varied stakeholders on the topic of smart cycling could take place. Following the preparatory work which has already been carried out, MegaBITS partners helped refine the concept of the Smart Cycling Platform further.
Zwolle also presented its Smart Lighting Analysis, revealing that while digital twin analysis has not yet led to significant changes, it will play a crucial role in shaping future lighting policies. A city-wide assessment is planned to ensure optimal urban lighting for cyclists.
Cycling in the Province
The host partner, the Province of Antwerp, organised a cycle tour around Antwerp to illustrate how they have been improving the cycling infrastructure. This included a guided tour along some of the cycle highways, where they have deployed tools within the MegaBITS project to collect improved data about cycling behaviours as well as gather input to improve the cycling infrastructure. The tour ended with a visit to some of the new cycling infrastructure around the refurbished docks area.
Communications, Conferences, and Policy Engagement
Partners discussed their presence at upcoming industry conferences, including ITS European Congress, Velo-city, POLIS, and EUROBIKE, where key MegaBITS initiatives will be showcased. In addition, discussions covered potential articles on GDPR and cycling data, highlighting the importance of data privacy in smart cycling applications.
Policy engagement was another key theme, with updates on the Expert Group on Urban Mobility and the European Commission’s cycling declaration implementation. MegaBITS representatives are actively participating in DG MOVE working groups to align smart cycling initiatives with European mobility strategies.
Looking Ahead
As the meeting wrapped up, attention turned to upcoming milestones. A major focus will be the completion of project evaluations, with results to be discussed at the next meetings in Hamburg and Gothenburg. A dedicated online Steering Group Meeting is set for November 17-18, ensuring continued momentum in shaping smart cycling solutions across Europe.
With a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making, innovative cycling technologies, and collaborative policy engagement, the Antwerp meeting reinforced the MegaBITS network’s commitment to transforming urban mobility for cyclists across the North Sea Region.