Real-Time Weather Data for Pedestrians and Cyclists piloted in cycle paths this winter
A pilot project is currently underway in Espoo, aiming to provide real-time weather data for bike road maintenance and cyclists in autumn 2025. As part of the City of Espoo’s “Sustainable Future Districts” program, five locations will be equipped with sensors and weather stations to support safer and more pleasant walking and cycling experiences in changing winter conditions.
Developed by Mellenium Oy and Teede Tehnokeskus AS, the project utilizes compact, localized weather sensors to offer timely and accurate data to pedestrians and cyclists. This is the first time such data will be used to inform and communicate weather conditions for non-motorized traffic in Espoo. The pilot will also explore how the availability of this information influences commuting behavior—especially the appeal of cycling to work.
Four of the five installations are already completed, and the fifth will be operational in the coming weeks. From autumn 2025 onward, data will be available for locations in Keilaniemi, Tapiola, Suvikumpu, Matinniitty, and Leppävaara. The route integrates with Espoo’s winter cycling priority maintenance paths in Keilaniemi and Matinniitty.
The weather data from cycling routes will be displayed in real time on the project’s website and Facebook page.
Ready for Testing in Autumn 2025
The technical implementation will be completed during summer 2025, with the pilot starting in autumn, when weather conditions become more variable. A key aspect of the pilot is designing sensor attachments that are as unobtrusive and street-friendly as possible.
User feedback will be actively collected during the trial to help improve the service. Jaakko Melamies from Mellenium Oy is enthusiastic about the project: “This initiative will have a positive impact on people's mobility habits by encouraging sustainable transport choices. It also enables smooth operations in urban environments.”
Märt Puust from Teede Tehnokeskus AS sees a broader potential: “The solution under development is easy to replicate and could serve as a model for other cities.”
Real-Time Data to Support Sustainable Mobility
Compared to motor traffic, there is currently very little real-time information available for cycling routes—especially when it comes to weather and surface conditions. Yet this data plays a critical role in improving perceived safety and lowering the threshold for choosing walking or cycling. Accurate and timely weather data allows people to better anticipate conditions, supporting smooth and safe active mobility all year round. “We hope that real-time data combined with user feedback will provide new insights into evaluating the quality of route maintenance,” says Development Manager Pekka Pakkala from the City of Espoo’s Public Works Department.
Cycling and walking have significantly lower climate impacts than motorized traffic. Sustainable mobility solutions are not only environmentally friendly and cost-effective, but also promote equality by providing more equal access to transportation.
TEXT: Jeremi Vahtera
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