C3Tech Cyclist Survey Results

When Hackforge kicked off the C3Tech initiative in February 2022, one of our first goals was to learn about and engage with the cycling community in Windsor-Essex. To get this started, we released a short survey asking about why people cycle and what (if any) technology they use while doing so.

Of the 152 responses received, nearly 64% indicated that they cycle more than once a week, while 2% say they never cycle. (This isn’t a surprising outcome, since people who ride their bikes frequently are obviously more likely to respond to a survey about riding their bikes – but it’s still good to note.)

76% of respondents say the number one reason they ride their bike is for exercise or fun, while 22% ride mainly as a form of transportation.

As with most things in modern life, technology has invaded cycling. When it comes to planning and tracking their routes, 80% of our respondents use some type of application – mobile or otherwise.

The app that C3Tech aims to develop, then, is targeted towards that 80% who like to have technology as part of their routine. Since there’s no need to recreate the apps these riders are already using, what features should go in a Windsor-Essex cycling app?

Luckily, we asked that question, too!

Based on preliminary conversations with members of the cycling community, and armed with some knowledge of what is achievable within the 12-month span of this project, we suggested a few tools that might be created.

By far the most popular response was “Route suggestions based on safety,” with 129 votes, followed by “points of interest,” with 87 votes (each respondent was able to vote for as many of the 7 options as they wished).

We’ve taken this feedback to heart, and are currently working on building out WindsorEssexCycling.ca to consider safety when selecting routes.

In our Hackathon held this spring, one of the participating teams developed a solution that allows an administrator to set “No-Go Routes,” which the routing application will then avoid when creating a path between user-selected points. By taking dangerous roads and intersections out of the equation, the routes suggested by the application are inherently safer for all cyclists.

This proof-of-concept tool is influencing how the C3Tech Summer Intern adds considerations for route safety into our final product. We’re also launching a Route Advisory Committee to help us determine which road sections should be avoided completely, and which should only be used by experienced cyclists. Stay tuned for more news on safe cycling routes!

OTIL Sponsors C3Tech!

C3Tech would like to thank the Ontario Tourism Innovation Lab (OTIL) for their generous support of our project!

Joining The City of Windsor Bicycle Committee, CWATS, and Parallel 42 Systems, OTIL is coming on board as our Official Tourism Partner through their Tourism + Tech initiative.

OTIL is a non-profit initiative created to find, foster, and support new tourism ideas, experiences, and partnerships, with a focus on collaborations between the tourism and tech sectors. Founded in 2018, they now offer mentorships and grants to tourism entrepreneurs in Ontario and British Columbia. OTIL is also a C3Tech sister project under the Hackforge umbrella.

We are extremely excited to have them on board, and will be using their generous contribution to fund project administration and for hackathon prizes – stay tuned for more on that!

C3Tech Cycling Hackathon Event Schedule

C3Tech Hackathon Registration Now Open!

We’ve launched WindsorEssexCycling.ca, received input from local cyclists, and looked into the code with developers, so now it’s time to bring it all together! This May, Hackforge, along with The City of Windsor Bicycle Committee, CWATS, and Parallel 42 Systems, is running a Hackathon to customize and enhance our digital cycling tools.

Some of the feature requests we’ve heard from the community include:

• A-to-B navigation indicating the safety level of various routes
• Pleasure-ride routes based on estimated time to accomplish
• Suggested routes between local businesses (e.g. brewery/winery routes)
• All city and county trails represented on a single map
• Bike lane/path issue reporting to municipalities and publication for other cyclists

Interested parties can register for free as individuals or groups (or individuals looking for groups!) to participate. People of all skillsets and experience levels are welcome, including project managers, cyclists, designers, and developers. Participants will have access to expert mentors, weekly development training sessions, and more to help them improve their skills throughout the Hackathon process.

Submit your information to get started, and contact lauren@hackf.org with any questions.

March 2022 at Hackforge

Hackforge Virtual Watch Party: Ip Man
Friday, March 4th @ 8PM  Discord

Starring Donnie Yen, 2008’s IP Man follows a group of people trying to survive in an occupied city during the Japanese invasion of China. Log in to Teleparty to join us for a watch-along of this martial arts masterpiece.

Join our discord server and download Teleparty to take part. Please note that all participants are required to have their own streaming subscription service.

Optimizing Mental Wellness for Entrepreneurs & Small Business Owners
Wednesday, March 9 @ 6pm  Linkedin | Facebook | Meetup | Register

The Canadian Mental Health Association is joining us this month for a workshop devoted to mental wellness. Freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners have unique work experiences that can result in their own mental health concerns.

To help us learn how to properly address them, Carrie Davis will be joining us to look at:

• unique stressors of entrepreneurs
• mental fitness and wellbeing of Canadas entrepreneurs
• impact of loneliness and isolation
• managing stress and mental health
• local resources

This free, one-hour event is open to everyone.