Strava Metro for Academic Researchers Program

Applications for the next program will open early September 2025.

2025/26 Program

Planning to Apply? Here’s How to Prepare:

The Academic Access Program supports research that can help communities become safer, healthier, and more connected. To make the most of this opportunity, we recommend preparing the following in advance:

- Letter of support: from a local government agency, nonprofit, or community organization. Required for all applications.

- Project concept: a clear, well-defined idea that connects your research to real-world impact.

- Amplification strategy: ways to share your work, such as social media campaigns, public presentations, or community engagement activities.

Inaugural Strava Metro for Academic Researchers Program

10 global projects selected for the inaugural 2024/25 Strava Metro for Academic Researchers Program.

These innovative initiatives were chosen for their potential to drive meaningful change in communities worldwide, leveraging Strava Metro’s data to shape the future of active transportation, infrastructure, and sustainability.

Each project (listed below) will use Strava Metro’s de-identified, aggregated data to develop evidence-based solutions for improving active transportation networks. Research teams will also receive ongoing support from the Strava Metro team to gain deeper insights into travel patterns, infrastructure gaps, and community needs.

“We are thrilled to partner with these research teams to tackle the critical need for safer and more accessible pedestrian and cycling infrastructure,” said Brian Bell, Strava vice president of global communications and social impact. “This wouldn’t be possible without the incredible contributions of the Strava community. With nearly 12 billion activities uploaded, they power Metro’s dataset, enabling decision-makers to drive societal change.”

The following projects, selected from around the world, represent the diverse ways Strava Metro data will be used to drive innovation in urban planning, transportation, and sustainability. From developing climate-resilient biking networks in Atlanta to enhancing winter cycling habits in Wroclaw, these initiatives highlight the power of data-driven decision-making in creating safer, more accessible, and more sustainable communities.

North America

Atlanta, GA

Anticipating Bike Transportation Needs for Weathering Climate Change

Using Strava Metro data, this team will study how extreme heat impacts cycling in Atlanta, with the goal of developing tools to help cyclists navigate and adapt to heat-related challenges. (Atlanta, GA)

Los Angeles, CA

An Active Transportation Plan for Claremont

This research will assess cycling patterns in Claremont to help prioritize city investments, particularly in corridors used by recreational cyclists, to inform the city’s Active Transportation Plan. (Los Angeles County, CA)

Detroit, MI

Nice Streets, Mean Streets: Mapping Transportation Accessibility in Southeast Michigan

STPP and Programs to Educate All Cyclists (PEAC) maps high-traffic streets on Strava against those designated as “mean” or “nice”. To help identify safer roads for individuals with intellectual disabilities and support PEAC’s advocacy work. (Detroit, MI)

New York City, NY

Maximizing Accessibility and Ridership for the Interborough Express: Strategic Infrastructure and Street Redesigns

This team will identify key areas in New York City to redesign streets, build bike lanes, and improve transit infrastructure to enhance ridership, shorten commutes, and promote public transit and cycling over driving. (New York City, NY)

Vancouver, BC

Runnability and its Environmental Correlates

The project will explore environments conducive to trail and road running, and examine how sociodemographic factors such as age and gender affect access to these areas. (Vancouver, BC)

Europe

Gothenburg

Active Commuting: The Role of Infrastructure in Promoting Everyday Sports Activity

By analyzing how cyclists and runners use urban bike lanes, this project aims to improve infrastructure planning to better support physical activity in Gothenburg. (Gothenburg, Sweden)

Scotland

Trail Blazers: Analysing Mountain Biking Usage Patterns and Rider Diversity in the Scottish Borders

his research will identify MTB trail hotspots and link usage to maintenance needs, while also studying rider diversity to ensure inclusivity in trail design. (Scotland, UK)

Wroclaw

Winter is Coming: Analysing Cyclists’ Behaviour in Autumn and Wintertime in Wroclaw

This study will analyze changes in cycling patterns from August to April in Wroclaw to assess if infrastructure supports year-round commuting in colder months. (Wroclaw, Poland)

Asia/Oceania

Istanbul

Transforming Istanbul into a Bike-Friendly Metropolis with Strava Metro

Using Strava Metro’s heatmaps and velocity data, this team will identify the safest bike paths and share findings with the Istanbul Municipality to improve bike infrastructure. (Istanbul, Turkey)

Sydney

Creating Active Communities: The Role of the Physical Environment

This project will use Strava Metro data to map areas with high physical activity and identify environmental factors that support healthier, more active communities. (Sydney, Australia)

About

Announced in September 2024, the Metro for Academic Researchers Program, was created to empower academic researchers and students with access to Strava Metro’s dataset of bicycle and pedestrian trips. The program grants participants insights into detailed active transportation data, as well as ongoing support from the Strava Metro team, including training and project guidance to ensure successful research outcomes.

All applications are reviewed by a Strava committee, who score each submission on a number of categories including alignment with Strava Metro’s mission and potential community impact. These partnerships further Strava Metro’s mission to make human-powered transportation safer, more accessible, and sustainable for all communities.