See.Sense x Essex Pedal Power – Behaviour Change Enabled by Patented Sensor Technology

We are delighted that this project is short-listed in the ITS UK Awards Changing Behaviour with Technology Category! 

The Essex Pedal Power programme is a ground-breaking initiative providing free, quality bikes in disadvantaged areas, supported by training, maintenance, group rides, and infrastructure upgrades. The aim: improve access to jobs, education, services, and health outcomes through everyday cycling.

3,000 See.Sense SUMMIT Trackers have been deployed onto programme bikes. The scheme began in Jaywick and Clacton, and—thanks to robust, credible data gathered through SUMMIT—has expanded to Basildon, Colchester, Harwich & Dovercourt, and Harlow.

The Challenge

Robust, scalable data was critical to prove the programme’s impact and secure continued investment. But:

• Conventional GPS is power-hungry and only suited to e‑bikes.
  
  

• App-based tracking was unworkable for this audience and scale.
  
  

• Staff capacity for data collection and reporting was limited.
  
  

A solution was needed that could track standard bikes continuously and generate actionable insights automatically.

The Solution: SUMMIT Patented Sensor + GPS Technology

See.Sense deployed SUMMIT trackers that combine:

• Low‑power GPS tracking powered by dynamo + AA batteries (lasting months without recharging).
  
  

• Patented embedded sensors capturing braking, swerving, and surface quality at 800 readings/second.
  
  

This integration allows Essex Pedal Power to:

• Track trips, distances, and CO₂ savings automatically.
  
  

• Identify popular routes, dwell times, and high-use corridors.
  
  

• Detect road surface and safety issues that affect rider comfort and uptake.
  
  

All data feeds into a custom dashboard, co‑designed with Essex Pedal Power to meet funder reporting needs while keeping administration low.

Turning Data into Action

The robust SUMMIT data enabled Essex Pedal Power to evidence the success of the scheme, justifying its expansion from the initial pilot areas (Jaywick and Clacton) to Basildon, Colchester, Harwich & Dovercourt, and Harlow.

Insights have directly informed improvements such as:

• Clacton–Jaywick route upgrade: SUMMIT data identified demand; post-upgrade, usage rose +17% within three weeks.

• Targeted bike parking: Dwell data identified optimal locations at stations, job centres, libraries, and schools.
  
  

• Surface and safety enhancements: Sensor data confirmed smoother riding conditions and fewer adverse braking events after works.
  
  

The evidence-based success also led to the scheme being showcased by Active Travel England as a national best practice example, highlighting Essex Pedal Power’s model and data-led decision-making. The project received a visit by then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, underlining national significance.

The Essex Pedal Power x See.Sense SUMMIT initiative shows how ITS-enabled technology can evidence and drive behaviour change—shifting trips from cars to bikes, and proving the benefits through robust, automated data capture.

Innovation

• UK’s largest deployment of patented sensor + GPS trackers on non‑electric bikes.
  
  

• SUMMIT integrates trip tracking with embedded safety and infrastructure analysis (braking, swerving, surface quality) at 800 readings/second.
  
  

• Co‑designed dashboard translates raw data into actionable insights for Essex Pedal Power, funders, and policy makers.
  
  

• Proven technology beyond prototype stage, operating at scale on 3,000 bikes.
  
  

• SUMMIT data evidenced programme success, supporting expansion from Jaywick and Clacton to Basildon, Colchester, Harwich & Dovercourt, and Harlow.
  
  

• Data has been used to guide real‑time improvements, including the +17% usage increase on the upgraded Clacton–Jaywick route.
  
  

Sustainable

• Low‑maintenance design (dynamo + AA batteries) ensures long-term operation without user action.
  
  

• Automated data capture minimises administration, supporting continuous monitoring over the life of the programme.
  
  

• Provides a scalable evaluation framework for long-term community cycling schemes.
  
  

Transferrable

• Scalable and replicable: The SUMMIT device can be retro‑fitted onto existing bike schemes, including non‑electric fleets.
  
  

• Suitable for any free‑bike or active travel programme seeking robust data evidence.
  
  

• Active Travel England showcased Essex Pedal Power as a best practice example to other local authorities.
  
  

• The evaluation framework can be adopted by new schemes seeking credible evidence for funding.
  
  

Impact

• 278,000 km cycled—replacing thousands of car trips.
  
  

• Infrastructure upgrades (parking, surface improvements) informed directly from SUMMIT insights.
  
  

• Social Return on Investment: £12.60 of benefits for every £1 invested.
  
  

• National recognition: Showcased by Active Travel England and visited by then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
  
  

Client Testimonial

Rob Macdonald, Principal Transportation & Infrastructure Planner, Essex Highways:

“Our participants don’t have to do anything other than ride their bikes, and we get their ride data automatically, which really is a game changer. The rich data provided by See.Sense proves that we can significantly increase physical activity levels in deprived areas, and increase the use of bikes for active travel. The data also enables us to influence future funders of community cycling schemes in Essex.”