Hamburg’s new thermal imaging cameras record 33% increase in cycling in the city

The new cameras were installed earlier this year and have observed a massive spike in the use of bicycles

Local authorities in Hamburg have unveiled the data from their latest tech upgrade initiative – namely the city’s bicycle counting network HaRaZäN which launched with 55 thermal imaging cameras earlier this year. The counter has recorded a significant increase in cycling over the course of 2020 compared to previous years which further underlines the importance of the local government’s focus on bolstering bicycle infrastructure and promoting it as an adequate and viable mobility alternative.

Stellar success throughout the pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic forced many people to rethink their approaches to mobility. Many Europeans chose to hop on their bikes in order both to get where they need to be and to exercise. Thanks to Hamburg’s bicycle counting network and its thermal imaging cameras, the city has concluded that cycling has skyrocketed by 33% in 2020 compared to the previous year.

Anjes Tjarks, Senator for Transport and Mobility Transition, believes that the data collected by the network will allow the city to further improve its offer to cyclists and make the bike an even more attractive mobility alternative.

He further stated that "A 33 per cent increase in bicycle traffic over 2019 is an extremely motivating figure. It confirms that we are on the right course in terms of the mobility transition. But we want a more precise picture and we need constant counts throughout Hamburg for this."

To accomplish this, the city’s plan envisions the spread of the cameras to several other locations. By the end of the project, over 100 thermal imaging cameras should be placed around Hamburg, allowing officials to better monitor cycling behaviour in the city.