The way it works is simple. Strava is an application/social network where users (cyclists, runners and hikers) upload information about the routes they have taken using smartphones and GPS. The application has around 125 million users in 190 countries. The amount of information generated by the routes and at certain times is a huge asset for municipalities that discover the frequencies of each route, the fastest, the slowest, the areas with traffic jams, the least safe. The data can even be used to measure the speed of the route. reveal the times of day when traffic peaks…In fact, nearly 100 municipalities around the world have used this data to create cycle lanes. And the Olympic Games are a key test.
To date, around 100 municipalities (including several in Spain such as Barcelona, Madrid or Valencia) have used Strava Metro information to create urban bicycle routes, much more efficient in terms of urban planning, which has not only contributed to increasing the use of this means of transport for travel (mainly to work), but also has reduced obesity, positively impacted health and decreased environmental pollution.
Although Paris City Council has been using Strava Metro data for 4 years now, the arrival of the Olympics has changed that. Initially, the data was used to improve the network of cycle paths in the French capital, especially during the pandemic, when city officials were looking to improve the safety and accessibility of their bike commutes. But given how the city has changed the profile of the cities that hosted the 2012, 2016 and 2020 Olympics (London, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo, respectively) thanks to the use of the application, Paris has decided to do the same.
The key is that during these weeks the flow of visitors increases, the number of trips increases and all of this isIt helps to create unexpected chaos that can be used in unknown scenarios. or in anticipation of population increase. Given the number of Strava users who will visit the Olympic venue and use the app for route information (tourist and to the events), Paris authorities can measure the impact of their investments in cycling and pedestrian infrastructure after the summer of 2024.
The data obtained in recent times have made it possible to create a 10-kilometer pedestrian route that It starts at Trocadero and connects different venues: basketball, artistic gymnastics, trampolineAcadémie du Climat, Games Terrace, Living Site of the Youth District, Place de la Concorde and Trocadero.
It has also been created a route that follows the path of the marathon, the 20km walk and one that reproduces road cycling racesThere is one that connects the city with the mythical Roland Garros, passing by emblematic sites such as Notre-Dame, Invalides, Champ-de-Mars, Bir-Hakeim bridge, Quais de Seine and ending at the Roland Garros stadium.
If these routes prove to be efficient for travel, they could be installed for the future of the city. How is the impact measured? With the data obtained in these months. For example, A route created from Rívoli Street more than doubled its bicycle traffic in just 4 yearsthanks to its effectiveness.