Strava Metro for Academic Researchers Program
Strava, the leading digital platform for active people has announced the 10 selected research projects for the 2026 cohort of its Metro for Academic Researchers Program.
2026 Cohort of the Metro for Academic Researchers Program
Now entering its second year, the Metro for Academic Researchers Program reflects Strava’s continued commitment to using data responsibly in service of the public good. The 2026 cohort represents a global and interdisciplinary set of research efforts focused on improving safety, accessibility, resilience, and sustainability across active transportation systems.
The following projects were selected for the 2026 cohort based on their rigor, relevance, and potential for community impact.
North America
Leveraging Strava Data to Guide Nature-Based Solutions and Tree Planting for Urban Heat Mitigation in Norfolk, Virginia (Norfolk, Virginia, USA)
Northern Forest Trail Resilience and Adaptation to the Impacts of Localized Storms (TRAILS) Project (Maine, USA)
Linking Bicyclist Level of Traffic Stress with Cycling Activity for Informed Infrastructure Planning (Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA)
Planning the Next Ride: A Demand-Based Bikesharing Expansion Study (Evansville, Indiana, USA)
Europe
Mapping Speed Stress: How Traffic Speeds and the Built Environment Shape Cycling Behaviour (West Yorkshire, England, UK)
The Use of GIS to Support Managerial Decision-Making in Enhancing the Attractiveness of Cycle Routes (Zilina, Slovakia)
Northern Sustainable Micro-Mobility: Advancing Year-Round Cycling and Walking Through Data-Driven Insights (Oulu, Finland)
Asia/Oceania
Closing the Data Gaps: City-Wide Cycling Insights for Brisbane 2032 (Brisbane, Australia)
Running in a Changing Climate: Urban Green Space Accessibility and Heat Adaptation Through Strava Data (Kyoto, Japan)
Development of Participatory Spatial Planning and Decision Support System for Active Transportation in the Philippines (Manila, Philippines)
Through the Metro for Academic Researchers Program, Strava continues to support independent research that strengthens active transportation systems and contributes to healthier, more connected communities worldwide. This work aligns with Strava’s mission to motivate people to move and to support initiatives that make human-powered transportation safer, more accessible, and more efficient for everyone.
You can learn more about all the projects selected in Year 2 of the program below:
North America
Norfolk, VA
Leveraging Strava Data to Guide Nature-Based Solutions and Tree Planting for Urban Heat Mitigation
Researchers are examining how heat exposure intersects with everyday cycling and walking. The project supports decisions around tree planting and nature-based solutions that can reduce heat and improve comfort along active transportation corridors.
Maine, ME
Northern Forest Trail Resilience and Adaptation to the Impacts of Localized Storms
A study focused on trail networks in forested regions and response to localized storm events. By comparing activity patterns, the research helps land managers understand trail vulnerability and plan for maintenance, recovery, and long-term resilience.
Albuquerque, NM
Linking Bicyclist Level of Traffic Stress with Cycling Activity for Informed Infrastructure Planning
The research connects observed cycling activity with measures of traffic speed and perceived stress. The work helps reveal where roadway conditions may limit cycling and where targeted infrastructure changes could support safer and more comfortable riding.
Evansville, IN
Planning the Next Ride: A Demand-Based Bikesharing Expansion Study
This project uses observed cycling demand to inform future bikeshare expansion in Evansville. Strava Metro data helps identify areas where ridership potential exists today, supporting local decisions about station placement and system growth.
Europe
West Yorkshire, England,
Mapping Speed Stress: How Traffic Speeds and the Built Environment Shape Cycling Behaviour
By mapping speed stress alongside activity patterns, the project highlights locations where road conditions may discourage cycling and where improvements could reduce risk.
Zilina, Slovakia
The Use of GIS to Support Managerial Decision-Making in Enhancing the Attractiveness of Cycle Routes
The project focuses on identifying which route features attract riders and how GIS and activity data can guide investments across the cycling network.
Oulu, Finland
Northern Sustainable Micro-Mobility: Advancing Year-Round Cycling and Walking Through Data-Driven Insights
In Oulu, researchers are examining how activity patterns change across seasons. The study looks at how infrastructure design, winter conditions, and maintenance practices support consistent use throughout the year.
Asia/Oceania
Brisbane, Australia
Closing the Data Gaps: City-Wide Cycling Insights for Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games
This project provides a city-wide view of cycling activity to support long-term planning ahead of the Brisbane 2032. Using Strava Metro to complement existing datasets, the research fills gaps in understanding how people cycle across the network.
Kyoto, Japan
Running in a Changing Climate: Urban Green Space Accessibility and Heat Adaptation Through Strava Data
How does access to green space shape running behaviour as temperatures rise? By linking activity patterns with environmental conditions, the project examines how cities can support heat adaptation while maintaining access to comfortable places to run.
Manila, Philippines
Development of Participatory Spatial Planning and Decision Support System for Active Transportation in the Philippines
This project develops a participatory decision support system for active transportation planning in Manila. By pairing Strava Metro data with local knowledge, the research supports more inclusive spatial planning and better-informed transport decisions
Since making Metro freely available to partner organizations in 2019, Strava has collaborated with over 4,000 city planners, government agencies, and infrastructure decision-makers worldwide. These partnerships have positively impacted nearly 1 billion people by improving the safety, quality, and accessibility of streets and trails. Strava Metro continues to serve as a critical tool for understanding how people move through their environments and identifying ways to enhance active transportation.
Not an academic but still want to contribute to Strava Metro’s mission of improving the places where we move? Just keep moving! Every public/follower activity you upload adds to the collective picture that helps urban and outdoor recreation planners, governments, and researchers build safer, more active communities.
Key Dates & Next Steps
Selection Process
The Strava Metro for Academic Researchers Program is not currently accepting applications. Information about future application windows, eligibility, and timelines will be shared here when available.
2026 Program
Application Details
Participants in the 2026 cohort receive one year of access to the Strava Metro platform to support applied research related to active transportation, public space, safety, climate exposure, and access. Research teams use Strava Metro’s de-identified, aggregated activity data alongside other data sources and methods. The Strava Metro team provides onboarding resources and periodic check-ins to support responsible and effective use of the data throughout the program year.
Social Impact
About the Program
Announced in September 2024, the Metro for Academic Researchers Program was created to support academic researchers and students studying how people move through cities, regions, and outdoor environments. The program provides access to Strava Metro’s dataset of bicycle and pedestrian activity, along with guidance on data use and interpretation. The program is designed to support applied research with relevance for planners, agencies, land managers, and communities.
