The holiday season offers a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate the milestones of 2024, while looking ahead to the opportunities that await in 2025. As we have reached the second half of the MegaBITS project, we are proud to share the progress we’ve made and the exciting prospects for the year to come.
MegaBITS partners at one of the VMSs during a project meeting in Copenhagen
Ronald Jorna, project manager of the BITS project and Wim Dijkstra, Senior Advisor of the Provincie Overijssel, receiving the Regiostars Award for the BITS Project.
© European Union / Jonathan Pourchet
Pilots implemented in 2024
Passing the halfway mark of the MegaBITS project planning in 2024, all the pilots have made steps towards implementation. In 2024, 5 of our pilots have reached the implementations phase. A few highlights:
- In Antwerp, the digital participation platform for the F106 cycle highway users was successfully launched. Since then, users have provided valuable feedback to the Province of Antwerp about the safety and comfort of this route.
- Copenhagen introduced two new Variable Message Signs (VMS) as part of its cyclist-oriented VMS network. These signs inform cyclists about disruptions to their usual routes, suggesting safer and more convenient alternatives while improving traffic management.
- Enschede celebrated the completion of the final section of the F35 cycle highway. To encourage cyclists to use this new stretch, the city launched an app-based campaign via the “Enschede Fietst” app. The campaign’s impact is currently being evaluated.
- Together with four other Dutch provinces, the Province of Overijssel developed and published a tender for a cycling app. This app aims to motivate potential or occasional cyclists while gathering essential cycling data to guide future improvements.
The updated BITS Directory
In addition to implementing these pilots, 2024 marked significant progress in updating the BITS Directory. This unique online platform connects developers of cycling-focused ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) technologies with public authorities and businesses. It also serves as a showcase for innovative ITS projects, products, and research. Many new ITS products, services and best practices were added to the BITS Directory. And to enhance its usability, the Directory’s interface was improved, making it easier for developers to add products and for users to browse best practices and services. These updates ensure the Directory remains an essential resource for cycling innovation.
Key events & publications of 2024
2024 has been a year of outstanding media publicity. We were thrilled to win the REGIOSTARS award in the “Connected Europe” category for the BITS project, which preceded MegaBITS. Winning this award is the culmination of over two decades of effort in making the car-centric Intelligent Transport Systems domain relevant to the bicycle.
Next to that, we presented on several conferences during the year:
- Transport Research Arena (Dublin);
- VeloCity (Ghent);
- EuroVelo (Viborg);
- ITS World Conference (Dubai).
Additionally, we published a comprehensive report on Floating Bike Data, mapping its current landscape, challenges, and recommendations for future use.
Cooperation with other projects
In partnership with the MERIDIAN project, MegaBITS has set up the Smart Cycling Taskforce. A workshop in December 2024 brought together experts to address challenges and opportunities in advancing smarter, more sustainable cycling infrastructure. The insights from this workshop will contribute to a roadmap for the future of smart cycling.
Looking ahead to 2025
As we enter the final full year of the MegaBITS project, 2025 holds the promise of making our hard work more tangible. This year, we are planning to implement all the remaining pilots and share early insights through our website, LinkedIn, and newsletter. We are also excited to join the Mobility Data Space, a platform that will make cycling data, from both the BITS and MegaBITS projects and external sources, more accessible to stakeholders. Additionally, we look forward to presenting our findings at major events, including the ITS Congress (Seville), VeloCity (Gdańsk), and European Mobility Week.
Thank you for following our journey over the past years. We hope you’ll continue to join us as we work toward smarter, greener, and more inclusive cycling.
Warm regards, on behalf of the MegaBITS partners,
Wim Dijkstra
Strategic mobility advisor of the province of Overijssel
Ronald Jorna
Project manager of MegaBITS