On 25 March 2026, the University of Twente hosted a successful international Smart Cycling Conference on its Campus in Enschede. During the event, policymakers, researchers, city representatives and industry stakeholders from across Europe explored how digitalisation is shaping the future of cycling. The Conference was co-organised by the European MegaBITS project, the Transport Studies Group from the University of Twente and the European transportation research network NECTAR.
The evolution of smart cycling
The conference was opened by moderator Kevin Mayne with a reflection on the evolution of smart cycling in Europe, highlighting key developments over the past decade. Smart cycling refers to intelligent systems and services that improve cycling conditions. In the MegaBITS project, coordinated by the Province of Overijssel, various systems were tested in seven cities/regions in Europe. In Enschede, for example, a cycling app was implemented that gives rewards to people to promote cycling to work and allows faster green at traffic lights. In Zwolle, one of the pilots involved the installation of cycling counting poles that gather and display bicycle data and information for cyclists along major cycling routes.
University of Twente’s Smart Connected Bike project developed and tested custom-made prototypes of smart e-bike systems. Pilots included testing of a speed warning system and an intelligent e-bike motor control system that can switch off motor support or apply active resistance through engine braking in specific safety situations. The research showed the potential of smart systems in reducing cycling speeds, improving perceived safety and the overall user experience.
Societal impact and innovation
In her keynote, Frauke Behrendt of the University of Eindhoven addressed societal implications of cycling opportunities. Her talk focused on opportunities and challenges, such as artificial intelligence, delivery systems, data use and data justice.
In breakout sessions, participants discussed data harmonisation, road safety and the application of digital data in mobility policy. For example, MegaBITS developed a Floating Bike Data Guidebook to address the technical, organisational and resource-related barriers that many public authorities face when using geolocated cycling movement data in the development of cycling policies.
Experiencing UT innovations
At the end of the conference, participants had the opportunity to experience University of Twente research in real life: riding one of the Smart Connected Bike prototypes, an e-bike equipped with intelligent speed adaptation. Participants could experience an e-bike that applies active resistance through engine braking in dedicated locations on campus.
Building momentum
With around 150 participants from eleven European countries, the conference provided a comprehensive overview of how digitalisation is transforming cycling across Europe. Beyond showcasing concrete results, the event strengthened European collaboration between cities, researchers and industry partners.
Many participants expressed the need for continued exchange and collaboration, underlining that the International Smart Cycling Conference should evolve into a recurring, annual event.
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