TfL challenges app developers to use new cycling data

Transport for London issued a challenge to app designers on Thursday, to improve their services to cyclists after expanding the data it makes available to them.

The local government body said it has added mapping information for eight Cycle Superhighways and one Quietway to their open data portal, allowing developers to make it easier for Londoners to find and use the best cycle routes.

New Superhighways and Quietways would be added as they open.

The information would allow developers to accurately map out the existing network within apps and on websites, TfL said.

That could be combined with previously released open data, such as the location of cycle parking at London Underground stations and the location and availability of bikes from the 780 Santander Cycles docking stations across the city, to help cyclists plan their routes easily.

TfL’s real-time travel data was already available to developers to help them create products and services for customers.

The organisation said more than 600 apps powered by TfL data were already used by millions of people every day, which included live travel and journey planning information for bus, Tube and rail networks, data on station accessibility and information on the busiest times on trains and in stations on London Underground.

“Millions of Londoners use apps to navigate around our city every day, and by ensuring this cycling data is available to developers, we can make a big difference to the way journeys are planned,” said London walking and cycling commissioner Will Norman.

“By knowing where the infrastructure is and when new parts are opened, cyclists can pick the best route for them, rather than simply following the way they would go by car or bus.

“It’s yet another way we are working to make cycling even easier for all Londoners.”

The release of the data formed part of the Mayor of London’s new blueprint for a healthy London.

TfL said Sadiq Khan’s long-term vision was to help encourage more Londoners to walk and cycle, by making London’s streets healthier, safer and more welcoming.

Lilli Matson, head of strategy and outcome planning in surface transport at TfL, said the introduction of the growing Cycle Superhighways and Quietways networks had helped encourage “thousands” of Londoners to take to two wheels.

“By providing accurate route information to developers through our open data network, we can help cyclists plan their routes more easily as well as see where cycle parking or their nearest docking station is.”