Citizen science is transforming cycling research by providing granular, real-world data that complements traditional academic studies. However, integrating citizen science into research frameworks requires mutual understanding and collaboration between academic researchers and citizen scientists. This session presents the 5-step Citizen Science Engagement Framework, a structured approach that demonstrates how citizen science can contribute meaningfully to academic cycling research.
The framework, developed in the WeCount project, highlights key moments where citizen-generated data enriches scientific inquiry, from identifying mobility concerns and collecting data to analysing findings and sharing results. Through real-world applications in Leuven (Belgium) and beyond, we will illustrate how active collaboration between researchers and citizen scientists leads to more robust, context-aware cycling research.
Data visualisation plays a crucial role in this process, not as a solution in itself, but as a powerful conversation starter. It helps both groups, academic researchers and citizen scientists, interpret and discuss findings from different perspectives. Whether through digital dashboards (Telraam, PING, Bike Citizens) or low-tech tools like public maps and installations, data visualisation makes cycling research more tangible, fostering dialogue and shared expertise.
By placing citizen science and academic research on equal footing, we aim to demonstrate how a co-creation approach leads to deeper insights, richer data, and ultimately, better cycling policies and infrastructure.