Module 3: Collection of data for active modes

This module dives into the world of walking and cycling data—how to collect it, interpret it, and use it to drive change in urban mobility planning.

It introduces practical approaches for gathering reliable data on active modes, from using smart technologies and collaborating with service providers to applying simple on-the-ground methods. Participants will learn how to combine different data sources, involve citizens in the process to enrich insights, use data and communicate findings effectively to decision-makers, stakeholders, and the public.

The module highlights why data is essential—not only for understanding current mobility patterns, but also for shaping Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs), evaluating pilots, and building community trust. Real-life examples from European cities will show how data collection methods are being tested and integrated into broader monitoring and evaluation frameworks.

Module 3

This module provides a practical introduction to collecting and using walking and cycling data. It presents methods ranging from simple on-the-ground counts to smart technologies and citizen-generated data, showing how to combine sources for meaningful insights. Participants will learn how active mobility data supports SUMP development, pilot evaluation, and effective communication with decision-makers and the public.

What will you learn?

✔Understand why data on walking and cycling is critical for Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) and pilot projects.
✔Learn practical methods for collecting active mobility data, including on-the-ground techniques, smart technologies, and collaboration with service providers.
✔Explore how to combine different data sources to create a more complete picture of mobility patterns.
✔Discover approaches to involve citizens in data collection, improving accuracy and fostering community engagement.
✔Gain insights into how to communicate transport data effectively to different audiences—decision-makers, stakeholders, and the public—ensuring transparency and impact.
✔See real-life examples from European cities that illustrate innovative data collection practices and their integration into broader monitoring and evaluation frameworks.

➜ By the end of the module, participants will be equipped to apply practical methods for collecting and analysing walking and cycling data, involve citizens effectively in the process, and communicate results to different audiences with confidence. Through interactive workshops, participants will discuss their own challenges and experiences, exchange ideas, and identify solutions that fit their local context.

Agenda

Webinar: 04.03.2026, 09:00–10.30 CET

09:00–09:10 | Welcome & Framing Ira Sibelius, Union of the Baltic Cities Sustainable Cities Commission / City of Turku, Finland, and Maarja Käger, Institute of Baltic Studies, Estonia
09:10–09:45 | Importance of collecting data about active modes. TBC
09:45–10:00 | Collecting and representing data: Focus on collecting data: challenges, outcomes, and lessons learned. Kertu Vuks, City of Tartu, Estonia
10.00–10.15 | Piloting a mobile app based campaign as a platform for data collection Maria Uusitalo, Gävle municipality, Sweden, and TBC
10:15-10:25 | Examples from the SUMPs for BSR project pilots: engaging citizens in the collection of data. Maarja Käger, Institute of Baltic Studies, Estonia
10:25-10:30 | Wrap up and next steps

Workshop: 18.03.2026, 09:00–11.30 CET

09:00–09:10 | Welcome & Framing Ira Sibelius, Union of the Baltic Cities Sustainable Cities Commission / City of Turku, Finland, and Maarja Käger, Institute of Baltic Studies, Estonia
09:10–09:25 | Why and how to collect data? TBC
09:25–10:05 | Group work I: how to collect data?
10:05–10:15 | Lessons learned from data-driven transformation of mobility solutions near Pääskyvuori school Anna-Kaisa Montonen, City of Turku, Finland
10:15-10:25 | Lessons learned from school campaign – camera AI as a data source Justyna Suchanek, City of Gdynia, Poland
10:25-10:35 | Break
10:35-11:05 | Sharing & Reflections
11:05–11:20 | Group work II: how to collect data?
11:20–11:30 | Wrap-Up & Next Steps.