A man wearing black baseball cap, red jacket and yellow high-viz vest holds up a map. (Courtesy photo)
State grant will fund a partnership between SBCAG, UCSB, and Simon Fraser University to train AI to map bicycle infrastructure. (Courtesy photo)

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has awarded the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) a $480,000 Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant.

The grant will fund a partnership between SBCAG, UCSB, 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:

  • AI Training: Data from Google Street View, OpenStreetMap, and an advisory committee will inform, train, and develop a tested AI model.
  • Infrastructure Classification: A diverse selection of individuals will consistently rank bike routes from easy to expert for the AI model.
  • Mapping: A specialist in cartography will utilize the data generated by the AI model to create a digital and hard-copy bike map. 
  • 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, the county reports.

“Our work in Santa Barbara County has the potential to expand across California,” said Trisalyn Nelson, professor at UCSB 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,” Nelson said.

“Our objective is to develop an open-source code repository that offers insights into scaling efforts across the state,” Nelson said. “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, call SBCAG at 805-961-8900 or email info@sbcag.org.