Recently, all residents of the province of Utrecht can use Schwung. Schwung is the solution that ensures that cyclists reach their destination faster and have to wait less often for a red light. The cyclist's smartphone, on which the Ik Fiets or Schwung app is installed, is connected to the traffic lights on the route and as a result the cyclist is signaled earlier and a green light can be requested.
“As a province, we think it is important that all residents can cycle smoothly, safely and comfortably. That is why we are working on, among other things, improving the regional cycling network, the realization of cycle routes, but also by using smart mobility. Schwung is a great example of this. Data and communication are converted into benefits for the cyclist!”
The advantages of Ik Fiets x Schwung:
Cyclists get a chance to get green sooner (no priority for other road users, but the cyclist is detected earlier). As a result, cyclists can continue cycling more often, have to wait less long and therefore arrive at their destination faster with more comfort. The app anonymously recognizes the routes of the cyclist, making the process of requesting green light increasingly faster and more efficient. By participating via the Ik Fiets app, cyclists are also rewarded with points that can be exchanged for great discounts, vouchers, raffle prizes or donations to charity.
Festive launch
Schwung was recently launched on 3 June, World Bicycle Day, in collaboration with the municipality of Leusden. A route was cycled in Leusden together with those involved.
“In Leusden, we attach great importance to the use of bicycles and we are actively committed to the digitization of mobility data and smart mobility. These aspects come together nicely in the Schwung concept. In pursuit of sustainable mobility development, our traffic lights are fitted with Schwung, so that cycling becomes even more attractive. And the great thing is that the benefits of Schwung do not stop at the municipal boundaries, but can be experienced throughout the province of Utrecht!”
I cycle
Cyclists can download the Ik Fiets app to use Schwung. The province of Utrecht has added the Schwung functionality to their own Ik Fiets app, which means that all the benefits for cyclists have been bundled in one application. Ik Fiets is a bicycle promotion campaign by the province of Utrecht and has been motivating residents of the province of Utrecht to use the bicycle more often since 2019. The Ik Fiets app converts cycled kilometers into points. The points can be exchanged in the app for nice discounts, vouchers, raffle prizes or donations to a good cause. Cycling is good for mental and physical health, reduces stress and increases productivity. In addition, by choosing a bicycle instead of a car, you save CO2 and you save on parking and petrol costs.
To let cyclists experience the new Schwung functionality, there are three routes set out in Leusden (+- 20 km), Montfoort (+- 35 km) and Utrecht (+25 km). The routes pass several traffic lights that work with the Schwung functionality. The Schwung functionality in the Ik Fiets app learns the more you cycle. This means that it may take a while before the route is recognized.
