Bike Buddy is an app that helps cyclists navigate, plan and discover bike routes around Vancouver. The cyclist can also search for routes that meet certain criteria (ie. off-street pathways only, comfortable for all ages, flat incline, and more) and the app will send feedback and data back to the City of Vancouver for analysis. With this app, we aim to address the Climate Emergency Action Plan. By providing an interactive and personalized biking experience, we hope that more individuals will choose to cycle instead of drive.

There are many challenges that currently exist for cyclists in Vancouver. First, the current map of bike routes is only available as a paper or PDF copy. Bike Buddy aims to solve this problem by providing an interactive app where cyclists will be able to access their route more conveniently. Furthermore, people who are new to cycling may not know how to reach their destinations on bike routes that match their comfort levels. With Bike Buddy, they can enter their preferences (types of routes, slopes, etc.) and the app will determine the best route for them. Finally, Bike Buddy will allow users to provide feedback to the City of Vancouver, so that they are aware of any challenges or issues associated with certain routes (for example, there is a large pothole in the road).

In the end, this project taught us a lot about the complexities that cyclists may face. This is why we aim to create a more effortless experience in order to erase some barriers that occur in the process. In the future, we would love to continue refining this app so that we could eventually see it in the hands of every cyclist. Not only are we aiming to provide directions (as Google Maps would), but we aim to provide an effortless experience with an app that tailors routes for the individual, and users can provide feedback and hopefully be a part of the future improvements we may see on bike routes.