Tested approaches for the collection of data on active modes and lessons learned
The Tested approaches for the collection of data on active modes and lessons learned report presents practical experiences from data collection pilots carried out in Baltic Sea Region cities. It shows how local authorities can collect, combine and interpret data on walking, cycling and other active modes to support evidence-based sustainable urban mobility planning.
Data collection methods ・ Lessons from pilots ・For mobility planners
Developed within the SUMPs for BSR project, the publication is designed to help cities strengthen their monitoring and evaluation practices, address data gaps and make better-informed decisions on active mobility measures. It is particularly relevant for small and mid-sized cities seeking practical, scalable and resource-conscious approaches to mobility data collection.
What is the report about?
Many cities still lack reliable and detailed data on active mobility. This makes it difficult to understand travel behaviour, assess the use of infrastructure, evaluate mobility measures or justify future investments in walking and cycling.
This report responds to that challenge by presenting tested approaches to collecting data on active modes. It focuses on the implementation and evaluation phase of local pilots, highlighting what worked well, what proved difficult and what other cities can learn from these experiences.
The publication underlines that data collection should begin with clearly defined information needs and indicators. Tools and technologies should be selected only after the city has identified what it needs to measure and how the results will be used in planning and decision-making.
What does the publication include?
The report summarises data collection pilots implemented in Cēsis, Gävle, Gdynia, Greifswald, Panevėžys and Turku. Each city tested methods suited to its local context, institutional capacity and planning needs.
The publication covers pilot objectives, activities, stakeholder involvement, monitoring and evaluation approaches, success factors, challenges, results, scalability potential and lessons learned. It also shows how data collection pilots can support the development and implementation of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans.
Tested data collection approaches
The pilots tested a wide range of methods, including AI-supported cameras, automated counting stations, sensors, mobile applications, manual observations, surveys, workshops, school-based research, open data sources, citizen panels and behaviour-oriented campaigns.
A central lesson from the report is that no single method provides a complete picture of active mobility. Combining quantitative and qualitative approaches helps cities validate findings, understand mobility patterns and interpret the reasons behind people’s travel choices.
Lessons from Baltic Sea Region cities
The case studies demonstrate how data collection can be tested in real-life urban contexts. Cēsis used AI-supported cameras to monitor mobility flows. Gävle tested app-based data collection for commuting behaviour. Gdynia combined school surveys, AI-based monitoring and a cycling campaign. Greifswald used sensors, observation and surveys. Panevėžys worked with open data, school communities and field research. Turku developed a citizens’ panel and monitoring approach focused on cyclists and pedestrians.
Together, these experiences show that data collection pilots can strengthen local knowledge, improve cooperation between municipal departments and help cities move from assumptions towards measurable evidence.
Key messages for cities
The report highlights several practical lessons for future data collection activities. Cities should start with clear data gaps and indicators, establish roles and responsibilities early, plan sufficient time for procurement and technical testing, and ensure that analytical capacity is available from the beginning.
The publication also stresses the importance of triangulation. Combining automated data with manual observations, surveys or stakeholder input improves the reliability and usefulness of results. At the same time, communication and trust-building are essential, especially when data collection involves residents, schools, companies or other local stakeholders.
Who is it for?
The publication is intended for local authorities, urban mobility planners, transport experts, municipal decision-makers and organisations involved in sustainable urban mobility planning.
By using the experiences and lessons presented in the report, cities can design more effective data collection activities, improve monitoring and evaluation processes, and make stronger evidence-based decisions to support walking, cycling and sustainable urban mobility.