The Data Insights for Active Travel Project

Launched in 2024, this project aims to increase our insights into active travel patterns in Dublin. It improves upon past methodologies by replacing an ad-hoc approach to data collection with a systematic and integrated process.

The new data gathered will inform future infrastructure planning and investment, allowing Dublin City Council to provide better active transit options for people who live, work and play in Dublin.

“This project stands as a testament to DCC's commitment to active travel as a cornerstone of health and wellbeing. By integrating advanced monitoring technologies and data visualisation techniques, DCC aims to set a new standard for active travel infrastructure,” said Andy Walsh, Director of Dublin City Council's Active Travel Programme Office.

The Project's Roll Out

The Data Insights for Active Travel project is divided into two phases. Phase one will see the Active Travel Programme Office source, validate and test the latest innovations in active travel monitoring. It will then implement them to track behaviour and patterns of active travel along two active travel schemes: the Clontarf to City Centre Cycling Corridor and the Kilmainham to Thomas Street Cycling Route.

For the second phase, Dublin City Council will use the insights gained to develop an Active Travel Data Toolkit. This toolkit aims to enhance policy-making and active travel project implementation citywide.

Listen to Learn More

For those interested in how we are using technology and data to improve active travel, check out the below podcast by VitalTalks: Future of Public Health. The podcast explores the use of technology and data to improve active travel, promote road safety and create healthier and safer cities. It features Jamie Cudden, Dublin City Council’s Smart City Lead, who discusses our data project.

Constanza Jimena Delón Córdoba, Director of Road Safety Information Monitoring at Mexico City's Mobility Department, also contributes. Both Dublin and Mexico City are part of the Partnership for Healthy Cities. Both cities act as innovation labs, sharing their experiences and learnings with other cities. The podcast conversation highlights the importance of community engagement and data-driven decision-making.

Project Promotion and Activities

As part of The Data Insights for Active Travel Project, the project team is also taking part in or leading workshops and events. This provides us opportunity to collaborate with, learn from and share knowledge with other leaders in this area.

Dublin City Council presented its work to public health leaders from more than 50 cities around the world at the annual Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit. In 2024, we also hosted renowned New York City transport advisor, Janette Sadik Khan, who gave a keynote speech to city transportation stakeholders and members of the business community.

You can view photos of our most recent events in the gallery below. Click on the image to read a detailed blog post about each event.

Our Project Partners

Dublin City Council’s Smart City team and Active Travel Programme Office work alongside several partners on this project.

• The Partnership for Healthy Cities: A prestigious global network of over 74 cities committed to saving lives by preventing non-communicable diseases and injuries. Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies in partnership with WHO and Vital Strategies, it aims to do this by enabling cities to deliver high-impact interventions.
• National Transport Authority: This government agency is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to provide high-quality and accessible sustainable transport across Ireland.
• ADAPT: The world-leading SFI Research Centre for AI Driven Digital Content Technology hosted by Trinity College.
• The Trinity Centre for Transport Research and Innovation for People: A centre that delivers dynamic interdisciplinary research on a range of topics, including electric vehicles, cycling, traffic congestion, health impacts of transport, quality of life and safety.