Can AI Help Plan Better Bike Networks? Santa Barbara County Is About to Find Out.
Can AI Help Plan Better Bike Networks? Santa Barbara County Is About to Find Out.
Publish Date: 2026-07-09 16:19:00
Source Domain: cal.streetsblog.org
- Santa Barbara Council of Governments received a grant from Caltrans to use AI for designing a countywide bike map in collaboration with UC Santa Barbara and Simon Fraser University.
- The AI model, trained on Google Street View and OpenStreetMap data, assesses rider comfort on roads by analyzing various roadway characteristics.
- The AI-generated map, launched in English and Spanish, invites bicyclists’ feedback to ensure accuracy.
- The project aims to revolutionize bicycle infrastructure mapping and may set a benchmark for AI’s role in transportation planning.
- SBCAG expects to finalize the project and publish the maps in summer 2027, providing valuable insights into AI’s effectiveness in local transportation initiatives.
