AI Bike Map and Wayfinding Project
Project funding
- $480,000 - Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant – Sustainable Communities
Status
- OutreachCOMPLETE
- ClassificationCOMPLETE
- AI TrainingCOMPLETE
- ReviewCOMPLETE
- Wayfinding PlanWE ARE HERE
- Regional Bike MapSPRING 2027
- Final ReportSUMMER 2027
Project Description
This project seeks to feature calm, predictable routes that feel safe for riders — considering the 8 and the 80-year-old. With a community‑defined comfort lens, the map will show where most people can ride today and where gaps remain. Its purpose is to help new riders choose routes they trust, while supporting safer bike connections for all.
The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) was awarded a Caltrans Planning Grant for a project to “train” artificial intelligence (AI) using data from OpenStreetMap.org. The AI model is trained on human input—labels created by local riders and reviewed by university researchers—to apply comfort rules consistently across the countywide network. The result will be an easily updated, user‑friendly bike map. Additionally, the project will create a regional wayfinding plan, adaptable to AI findings.
In collaboration with UC Santa Barbara and Simon Fraser University, SBCAG is partnering with DKS Associates, with Toole Design serving as a key subcontractor, to develop the countywide bike map, translate AI outputs into a connected routes network, and produce a comprehensive wayfinding plan for the region. Together, these partners are shaping the future of cyclist safety, improved access to bike infrastructure, and adoption of eco‑friendly transportation across Santa Barbara County.
Public Participation
Technical Project Update
The SBCAG Joint Technical Advisory Committee (JTAC) approved the project’s updated comfort classification labels and wayfinding plan vision, goals, and principles. A comfort-based, online routing tool also made its debut and will soon become available for public review.
Comfort Classification
Community members from throughout Santa Barbara County and technical advisors collaborated to create “High Comfort Route, Comfort Route, Bike Route, and Connector” comfort classifications.
| Comfort Level | Criteria |
| High Comfort Route | – Paved Paths – Bike Lanes with Physical Protection – Bike Boulevards with Diverters |
| Comfort Route | – Buffered Bike Lanes – Traffic Calming Feature – Bike Route Designation with Connection to High Comfort Route AND Low Speeds (<26mph) and Volumes (<2,500 daily vehicles) AND Bike Route Wayfinding Signs |
| Bike Route | – Bike Lane without Buffer AND Low Speeds and Volumes |
| Connector | – Low Speed and Low Volume Streets without Infrastructure – Gravel Trails – Any Infrastructure not Classified Above |
Project FAQ
View Questions and Answers
What is the purpose of the AI Bike Mapping and Wayfinding Project?
- The latest bike map for Santa Barbara County is outdated from 2013. Since that map was published, new bike infrastructure has been built throughout the county. The project will provide an updated map with a better and more consistent comfort classification system for all bike routes in Santa Barbara County. The project will encourage bicyclists of all levels to ride more and find the best routes for their needs.
Who is responsible for the AI Bike Mapping and Wayfinding Project?
- The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments is collaborating with UC Santa Barbara, Simon Fraser University, DKS Consultants, and Toole Design to complete the project.
How much funding has the AI Bike Mapping and Wayfinding Project received?
- The AI Bike Mapping and Wayfinding Project have $542,189 in funding with $480,000 from Caltrans and $62,189 coming from local matches.
When will the project be complete?
- The project is expected to be completed by June 2027.
How is this bike map different from previous ones?
- This bike map will use artificial intelligence to ensure all routes are consistently classified based on infrastructure, traffic volumes, connectivity, and vehicle speeds. Bicyclists will be able to more accurately plan out comfortable biking routes. Community input is critical to this project.
What is the Ad Hoc Working Group
- The Ad Hoc Working Group consists of 12 community members in Santa Barbara County with varying levels of biking experience, geographies, and cultural identities. The group determined how roads are classified by guiding researchers on how to train the AI model. The group provides feedback to researchers and consultants to guide corresponding public outreach efforts.
Resources
- SBCAG Joint Technical Advisory Committee Adopts Revised Comfort Classification Labels and Wayfinding Plan Vision, Goals, and Principles (Nov. 5, Item 5C)
- Santa Barbara County Active Transportation Dashboard
- SBCAG Technical Transportation Advisory Committee Helps Define Comfort Classification (Nov. 6, Item 5B)
- Current Regional Bike Map at SBCAG.org/bike
- California Association of Councils of Governments (CALCOG) Summer School: Innovating with AI in Transportation: Session 2 – How Regional Governments Are Leveraging AI Tools to Improve Efficiency Using AI to map bikeways in Santa Barbara, California
- Peer-reviewed publication by Ferster, C., Nelson, T., Manaugh, K., Beairsto, J., Laberee, K., & Winters, M. (2023). Developing a national dataset of bicycle infrastructure for Canada using open data sources. Environment and Planning B: Urban Analytics and City Science, 50(9), 2543-2559. (Original work published 2023)
- Map of Canada’s Bicycle Infrastructure Comfort System
- Bikemaps.org – A crowdsourced tool for global mapping of cycling safety
- Press Releases:
- June 19, 2024: $480k Grant Secured to Develop Countywide Bicycle Map Using Cutting-Edge Technology
- July 25, 2025: Seeking Applicants for New AI Bike Map Ad Hoc Working Group
- December 8, 2025: Public Asked to Spot Traffic-Calming Features in “12 Days of Mapping” Campaign for AI Bike Map Project
- July 8, 2026: Can You Help Verify an AI-Generated Bike Map?