Hackforge unveils newest version of WindsorEssexCycling.ca

Hackforge is a community based out of Windsor and Essex County that aims to be a place where those interested in technology, ranging from professionals to newcomers, can come together in Southwestern Ontario.  

Just recently, they held a launch event, celebrating WindsorEssexCycling.ca, a free online website that provides a way for cyclists in Windsor-Essex to find their way in a safe and secure way.  

On Sept. 19 they held a launch event, highlighting the features and the benefits of WindsorEssexCycling.ca. 

V1 was launched in 2022, working as a proof-of-concept for the website that would be completed two years later. The site was built using the ideas that came from a series of community events that focused specifically on cycling, and eventually, a hackathon was formed where cyclists and developers gathered to discuss technical solutions to cycling problems. The new release now features an updated user interface, and the most requested feature: turn-by-turn directions. 

WindsorEssexCycling.ca relies on data from map and routes found on OpenStreetMap (OSM), the world’s largest free digital mapping resource. Hackforge, aside from just building the app, also invested effort into creating a community of practice around OSM to aid in improving the quality of the local map data. This work also goes to improve the representation of Windsor-Essex on maps and such outside of just WindsorEssexCycling.ca, such as Strava, Facebook maps, and TomTom GPS devices. 

The app relies on the OSM data to know about road types and configuration, speed limits, and the surface conditions. All the collected data is compared together and used to guide the rider towards the routes with lower speeds, less traffic, and that is made specifically for cyclists where possible. 

According to Hackforge’s website, WindsorEssexCycling.ca is funded by The City of Windsor’s former Bicycling Committee, The County of Essex’s County Wide Active Transportation System (CWATS), Hackforge’s Tourism Innovation Lab, and Parallel 42 Systems.  

Karol Jasniewicz, who was a Windsor high school student at the time, provided the original development for v2 of WindsorEssexCycling.ca, with veteran developers Haley Tibbits of London, Randy Topliffe of Windsor, and Doug Sartori of Windsor, creating the product and version of the app that was based on Jasniewicz’s work. 

“As a community-focused organization, we’re incredibly proud to launch the newest iteration of WindsorEssexCycling.ca. By leveraging open data and focusing on community consultation, we’ve created a tool that not only encourages safe and sustainable transportation but also reflects the unique needs and input of local cyclists,” said Lauren Hedges, Director of Hackforge.