In January 2025, TN-ITS hosted a hybrid workshop in Brussels to explore how its data-sharing capabilities could support cycling needs, infrastructure and services, while also improving safety and coexistence with other transport modes. This event brought together local and EU partners to discuss use cases, potential applications, and a roadmap for integrating cycling data into TN-ITS services.

Why Cycling Data Matters for TN-ITS

Hosted by ERTICO, TN-ITS is a multistakeholder innovation platform with members representing >90% of worlds business in digital maps. TN-ITS is the reference data exchange for static map related attributes like speed limits, set out in the RTTI Delegated regulation 2022-670, fully compatible with service providers map production process.

TN-ITS and its technical specifications are currently tailored to road safety attributes and vehicle-related data, however, as cities across Europe strive to improve urban mobility and promote sustainable transport, cycling is emerging as a key focus, and stakeholders such as map providers and road authorities are recognizing the value of reliable, standardized cycling-specific data.

Participants highlighted that adapting TN-ITS specifications for cycling is achievable through extensions to existing code lists and alignment with DATEX II standards. This integration could enable real-time updates on cycling infrastructure, such as bike lanes, traffic regulations, and charging points for e-bikes.

The workshop emphasized the value TN-ITS can bring to cycling, particularly in creating consistent, high-quality digital maps. Features like cycling networks, speed regulations for specific bike types (e.g., speed pedelecs), and even geofencing capabilities could transform the cycling experience, enhancing both safety and usability.

Aligning with the European Declaration on Cycling

Signed in April 2024, the European Declaration on Cycling underscores cycling’s role in achieving the EU’s climate, zero-pollution, and energy efficiency goals. It is the most ambitious EU-level policy initiative on cycling to date, recognising cycling as a strategic priority and acknowledging its power to generate benefits for Europe. It also highlights the necessity of better cycling infrastructure, improved data collection, and integration into urban mobility planning. As noted in the Declaration, sustainable urban mobility planning should prioritise active mobility, including cycling.

TN-ITS’ capabilities can address key gaps, such as providing standardized data on bike paths, road attributes, and real-time updates. This is essential for supporting the EU’s targets of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050. In addition, it is essential for making roads safer, smarter, and more accessible for everyone.

Diverse Needs for a Diverse Mode of Transport

The workshop highlighted that cycling is not a one-size-fits-all activity. From traditional bicycles to cargo bikes, e-bikes, and even e-scooters that share bike paths, different types of vehicles have varying requirements. Wide paths, proper signage, and infrastructure that accommodates these variations are essential for ensuring safety and coexistence. Participants noted that TN-ITS could help map providers and road authorities define road attributes, such as path width, surface quality, and permitted vehicle types, which are key to planning and managing cycling infrastructure effectively.

Cycling Data to Inform Policies

Another focus was the potential for TN-ITS data to support policymakers. Accurate data on cycling usage, infrastructure, and safety could inform regulations and improvements, and TN-ITS could play a central role in providing said data.

Counting and classification of different bike types, through intelligent image recognition or similar tools, were identified as critical for understanding cycling patterns. Such data could help policymakers develop tailored solutions, such as separate lanes for speed pedelecs or improved infrastructure for cargo bikes.

Use Cases Driving Development

Discussions during the workshop focused on practical use cases that TN-ITS could address. One notable idea was a “connected bike” system that integrates Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA). Such a system would use TN-ITS data to ensure bikes automatically comply with speed limits, providing safer interactions with pedestrians and other road users.

Other examples included:

  • Defining and sharing data on contraflow bike lanes and right-turn permissions at red lights.
  • Integrating accident data and road quality assessments to improve infrastructure planning.
  • Supporting long-distance cycling routes that transition seamlessly between urban and rural areas.

Overcoming Challenges and Next Steps

While the potential of TN-ITS to enhance cycling data is clear, several challenges remain:

  • Data Quality and Standardization: Definitions of bike categories, road attributes, and safety parameters need to be standardized to ensure consistency across Europe.
  • Regulations and Traffic Signs: A clear framework for cycling regulations, including traffic sign descriptions, is essential for supporting navigation and safety features.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Collaboration with cycling associations, local authorities, and map providers is crucial to gathering data and aligning priorities.

The workshop concluded with actionable steps to address these challenges. Participants emphasized the need to create a roadmap for integrating cycling data into TN-ITS, focusing on unambiguous definitions of bike categories and road attributes, standardization of floating bike data, and tools for data generation.

The insights gathered will be incorporated into a broader roadmap that links cycling data to NAPCORE initiatives, further strengthening the case for standardization and widespread adoption.

A Growing Role for TN-ITS and ERTICO in Urban Mobility

Cycling represents a significant opportunity for TN-ITS and ERTICO to expand their impact. By providing a unified protocol for data exchange, TN-ITS can ensure that updates are timely, accurate, and compatible with digital maps. This would benefit not only cyclists but also policymakers, map providers, and road authorities working to create safer, more efficient mobility systems.

By focusing on practical solutions and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, TN-ITS is well-positioned to support cycling as a growing and essential part of the transport ecosystem. The workshop marked an important step in this effort, laying the foundation for better integration of cycling data into the platform and driving meaningful change in how cycling infrastructure is planned and managed.