$480k Grant Secured to Develop Countywide Bicycle Map Using Cutting-Edge Technology

Santa Barbara County Association of Governments, in partnership with UC Santa Barbara and Simon Fraser University, was awarded a Sustainable Transportation Planning grant from the California Department of Transportation to create an artificial intelligence (AI) powered map of bicycle infrastructure countywide.

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has awarded the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) a $480,000 Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant. This grant will fund a partnership between SBCAG, UC Santa Barbara, and Simon Fraser University (SFU) to train Artificial Intelligence (AI) to map bicycle infrastructure and develop a universal, regional wayfinding plan. SBCAG received notification of this award as part of a state announcement detailing $73.9 million awards to 146 applicants.

“With the fast-paced changes in bicycle infrastructure and no up-to-date local map to guide cyclists, we’re thrilled to collaborate with two major universities to train artificial intelligence in creating a reliable, easy-to-understand, and constantly updated resource for our county,” said Steve Lavagnino, chair of SBCAG and District 5 County Supervisor.

The AI Bike Mapping and Wayfinding Project aims to revolutionize bicycle infrastructure mapping and improve cyclists’ safety in Santa Barbara County.

The project’s key objectives include:

1. AI Training:  Data from Google Street View, OpenStreetMap, and an advisory committee will inform, train, and develop a tested AI model.
2. Infrastructure Classification: A diverse selection of individuals will consistently rank bike routes from easy to expert for the AI model.
3. Mapping: Aspecialist in cartography will utilize the data generated by the AI model to create a digital and hard-copy bike map.
4. Wayfinding Plan: Develop a universal, adaptable regional wayfinding system based on AI findings. This plan could help secure future funding for installing uniform wayfinding signs countywide, enabling cyclists to navigate easily with or without smart devices.

“We are profoundly honored to receive this generous grant from the California Department of Transportation,” said Marjie KIRN, executive director of SBCAG. “The funding is a step forward in our commitment to innovation and enhancing bicycle infrastructure and safety throughout Santa Barbara County.”

One of the most compelling aspects of this project is that the methods being developed in Santa Barbara County can be replicated throughout California.

“Our work in Santa Barbara County has the potential to expand across California,” said Trisalyn Nelson, professor at UC Santa Barbara and founder of BikeMaps.org. “By collaborating closely with the community, conducting on-site infrastructure assessments, and incorporating local feedback, we create an ideal testing environment. Our objective is to develop an open-source code repository that offers insights into scaling efforts across the state. This will lay the groundwork for an AI-based classification system to serve all of California.”

Overall, the project’s objectives include improving safety and mobility for cyclists, increasing access to bicycle facilities, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by facilitating a shift from driving to bicycling.

For more information, the public can contact SBCAG at (805) 961-8900 or info@sbcag.org.

About the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG)

The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments is a regional planning agency that takes on big challenges, aiming to find solutions for sustainable transportation, housing, and  equitable quality of life across Santa Barbara County. Serving as an independent public agency, SBCAG is comprised of Santa Barbara County and all eight incorporated cities within the county.  With a staff of 20 and an annual budget of about $100 million, SBCAG provides planning, project management, grant administration, and alternative transportation commuter services and distributes local, state, and federal transportation funds to advance regional transportation projects for the benefit of all residents of Santa Barbara County.

About the Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) awards transportation planning grants each year through a competitive process to encourage local and regional projects. Applications are evaluated on how projects advance state transportation and climate goals by identifying and addressing statewide, interregional, or regional transportation deficiencies on the highway system. The grant program began in the fiscal year 2015-16. Since then, Caltrans has awarded 685 planning grants totaling $266 million; more than 60 percent of those projects have been completed.

About UC Santa Barbara

UC Santa Barbara is a leading research institution known for its excellence in environmental studies, urban planning, and sustainable development. With a commitment to cutting-edge research and collaboration, UC Santa Barbara drives transformative discoveries across various fields.

About Simon Frasier University (SFU)

SFU is a public research university located in British Columbia, Canada, that consistently ranks among Canada’s top research-intensive universities and is recognized globally for its commitment to innovation, knowledge development, and sustainability.