Two volunteers record overtaking distances – city and ADFC want to make cycling safer
Since the beginning of June, two cyclists in Weiterstadt have been using so-called OpenBikeSensors (OBS) for the first time. The devices, attached to the bicycles, measure the lateral overtaking distance of motor vehicles, thus providing valuable data for improving road safety.
During a meeting on June 5th, the devices were installed by a member of the ADFC Darmstadt-Dieburg (General German Bicycle Club). The volunteers received technical training as well as information on data protection and functionality. The project was jointly coordinated by the city of Weiterstadt and the ADFC. Its aim is to record the actual traffic situation from the perspective of cyclists – in particular, how often and how closely they are overtaken in everyday situations.
The OpenBikeSensor is an open, non-commercial project used nationwide. During a ride, it records lateral distance, time, and location data – naturally, in compliance with all data protection regulations. The anonymized data helps identify particularly critical sections of road and provides a solid foundation for future improvements to cycling infrastructure.
The city of Weiterstadt thanks the volunteers involved and the ADFC Darmstadt-Dieburg for their work. "Projects like these make an important contribution to promoting cycling and increasing road safety," the town hall stated.
(WEITERSTADT – RED/PSW)
