Latest addition to portal provides potential for app development to support cyclists

Transport for London (TfL) has opened up a new open data source for mapping information on cycling in the city.

The organisation, which has been one of the leaders in making its data freely available for re-use, said that app developers will be able to use the information on its Cycle Superhighways and Quietway through its open data portal. Data on new routes will be added as they open.

This should enable developers to map out the existing networks within apps and on websites, and can be combined with previously released data, such as the location of cycle parking and availability of bikes from docking stations for London’s hire bikes, to help cyclists plan their routes.

TfL have continued to develop against their mission to keep London moving and innovating by providing data in Open Format for experts to develop into Customer Experience CX friendly Apps. Londoners already use apps to navigate around London every day, and by ensuring this cycling data is available to developers, they make a big difference to the way journeys are planned.n Cyclists can then plan the best route for them rather than simply following the way they would go by car or bus and find quieter more friendly routes

There are now more than 600 apps powered by TfL data including Citymapper. It has been very active in adding feeds to its open data portal, with initiatives last year including the provision of data on the London Trams network, historical crowding at Underground stations and road closures for the London Marathon. It also extended its APIs to include data on the Night Tube service.

A truly innovative way of using data to deliver against TfL mission, it’s commercial imperatives through delivering improved CX via data.