Together with 30 frequent cyclists from our city, the state capital of Wiesbaden collected relevant data on bicycle traffic in Wiesbaden throughout 2025. The data experiment was initially scheduled to last six months. 

The multifunctional sensors collected environmental data, recorded the surface conditions (cobblestones, asphalt, etc.) and the likelihood that overtaking vehicles did or did not maintain the minimum passing distance of 1.50 meters required by traffic regulations. All data from the cyclists was aggregated and visualized on a map. 

The campaign data and further information about the data remain available in the dashboard “Data World: Bicycle Use in Wiesbaden.”

Committed residents of our city contributed to this project by collecting data during their everyday bike rides. Professors and students from Rhein-Main University of Applied Sciences also supported the project. Together with the project’s supporters and the City of Wiesbaden’s Bicycle Office, the data will be reviewed and analyzed collaboratively.

The citizen science project was launched during the “fahrRAD” Smart City Theme Week (May 2025) and ran through November 2025.

The available experimental data on cycling in Wiesbaden provides a wide range of insights and enables differentiated analyses that would hardly be possible with stationary counting stations alone:

• Overtaking distances: The data provides initial indications of dangerous situations across the city, which can then be analyzed in greater depth using additional parameters and information.
• Surface conditions: The sensor data reveals where cycle paths are particularly comfortable or in need of renovation, providing precise information for infrastructure planning.
• Routes: The combination of individual routes with sensor data makes it clear which routes are preferred and which are avoided.

Conclusion: Experimental data also contributes to the objectification of discussions and the measurability of qualitative arguments. The data that we have collected together can help us to make good decisions and promote cycling in Wiesbaden. They also help to adapt the cycling infrastructure in Wiesbaden to the needs of cyclists.