The MegaBITS Project is approaching its conclusion and hosted its International conference on smart cycling on 25 March 2026 at the University of Twente, in Enschede (The Netherlands). The event, co-organised in collaboration with the NECTAR research network of the University of Twente, brought together policymakers, researchers, city representatives, and industry stakeholders to present the project’s achievements and explore the future of smart cycling in Europe.
The conference opened with a reflection from moderator Kevin Mayne on the journey of smart cycling in Europe, highlighting the progress made over the last decade in awareness and implementation, and the role of the project BITS and MegaBITS in advancing this field.
Following an introduction from Ronald Jorna, Project Manager from MegaBITS and active contributor to smart cycling in Europe, a panel discussion with representatives from the project partner cities and POLIS Network took place:
- Marc Teutelink, Vice-mayor for Mobility and Digitalisation of the City of Enschede
- Syb Tjepkema, Senior Policy Advisor of the City of Zwolle
- Tina Caers, Head of Mobility Department of Province of Antwerp
- Laura Babío Somoza, Smart Mobility Cluster Lead POLIS
This panel discussion offered insights into how cities adopt cycling technologies and why integrating these solutions into urban planning is crucial.
The keynote speaker Frauke Behrendt (Associate Professor in Transitions to Sustainable Mobility at the Technology, Innovation and Society Group at the Eindhoven University of Technology) addressed the societal impacts of cycling technologies, alongside current challenges and remaining work. Topics included AI, delivery systems, data justice and more.
During the breakout sessions, participants engaged with specific topics including data harmonisation/standardisation and its application in mobility policy, detailed reports of MegaBITS’ outcomes and deliverables and NECTAR sessions on safety and data.
Closing remarks provided an outlook on the challenges and future of smart cycling, with contributions from:
- Peter Racz (Interreg North Sea)
- Wim Dijkstra (Province of Overijssel)
- Karst Geurs (University of Twente)
- Frauke Behrendt (Eindhoven University of Technology)
- Martijn Dadema (Deputy of Province of Overijssel).
Participants had the opportunity to network throughout the day and during the post-conference drink, where they could also experience the University of Twente’s test-bike, part of the Smart Connected Bike programme.
The International Conference on Smart Cycling offered a comprehensive overview of how digitalisation is transforming cycling across Europe, attracting around 150 participants from eleven European countries. By combining technology, data, and governance, MegaBITS has demonstrated that cycling can and should play a role within the ITS domain.
The event not only showcased tangible results but also laid the groundwork for future developments, ensuring that smart cycling continues to drive the green transition in urban and regional mobility. The conference also emphasised collaboration with partner networks, including NECTAR and POLIS, which hosted events the following day. This collaboration strengthened cross-project knowledge exchange and reinforced connections between European cities, researchers, and industry stakeholders in advancing smart and sustainable cycling solutions. Many participants underlined the need for such a conference on Smart Cycling, indicating that the International Smart Cycling Conference should not be a one-time event, but should be held on an annual basis.
Access the presentation links via the programme.
Photos by Koos Mavrakis.
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