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.
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)
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.
