New app lets Worcester cyclists check river path flooding
The app helps users plan journeys by bike, foot, or car
A new app launched by Bike Worcester this week aims to help cyclists plan their routes by advising on whether riverside paths in Worcester are flooded.
The app, now available via the Bike Worcester website, uses data from Environment Agency level monitors at Barbourne and Diglis, combined with observations from volunteers, to determine the status of shared-use paths and whether they are underwater.
Bike Worcester chair Dan Brothwell explained the need for the app: "‘The app came out of a need from the cycling community to know whether the paths were flooded or not so they could plan their route accordingly.
"When the river level starts to rise there’s usually a flurry of messages asking if certain routes are still open, and in reality you only know if you go and take a look.
"One of the best things about travelling by bike is that the journey time is predictable, however this isn’t the case if you get to the river and have to turn back due to flooding."
Users can further contribute to the app by submitting their own observations on flooding and by reporting whether councils have removed mud from paths following flooding events.
Al Pagan, a Bike Worcester volunteer who worked on the app, said the app has undergone several improvements and has potential for use beyond Worcester: "It’s a simple concept, but we’ve gone through a number of improvements since its conception.
The paths flood when the river is at different levels, so although one side of the river might be closed the other side may still be passable.
"We’re hopeful the app will be shared by the City and County Councils, and will be useful to Worcester residents.
"Knowing that the paths are open may be the difference between making a journey by car, or by foot or bike."
Rob Collier, the secretary of Bike Worcester, added that encouraging pedestrian and cycle journeys is vital: "‘Making more journeys by foot or bike benefits everyone in the city.
"It’s government policy that 50% of journeys should be by foot or bike by 2030, something echoed in City and County Council documents.
"We still need to do much more to enable and encourage this activity in Worcester, and for us all to reap the benefits.
"We’ve developed the app in our own time at our own cost.
"If it proves to be useful for Worcester we may look to roll it out to other towns and cities."
The app is free to use and can be accessed here.