# OpenBikeSensor

> overtaking distance measurement for bicycles

**Wikidata**: [Q124407122](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q124407122)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/openbikesensor

## Summary
OpenBikeSensor is an open-source hardware device designed to measure the distance at which motor vehicles overtake bicycles, aiming to improve cycling safety through data collection. Developed as a citizen science project, it enables cyclists to document close-pass incidents and advocate for safer infrastructure. The initiative emphasizes transparency and collaboration, with openly accessible design documents and community involvement.

## Key Facts
- **Founded by**: Andreas Mandalka, as documented in a memorial blog post (2024-02-09).  
- **Award**: Received "Der Deutsche Fahrradpreis – best for bike" (1st place, 2024).  
- **Launch**: Website launched on 2024-02-01 (German-language content).  
- **Compatibility**: Works with SimRa, a cycling safety app.  
- **Social Media**: Mastodon account (@OpenBikeSensor@verkehrswende.social) had 1,534 followers by 2024-04-11.  
- **Open-Source**: Hardware designs and software are freely accessible via GitHub (username: openbikesensor).  

## FAQs
### Q: What does OpenBikeSensor measure?  
A: It measures the lateral distance between bicycles and overtaking vehicles to document close passes and promote road safety.  

### Q: Who created OpenBikeSensor?  
A: The project was founded by Andreas Mandalka, as detailed in a 2024 memorial post on the initiative’s website.  

### Q: Has OpenBikeSensor received any awards?  
A: Yes, it won first place in "Der Deutsche Fahrradpreis – best for bike" in 2024, recognized for its contribution to cycling safety.  

## Why It Matters  
OpenBikeSensor addresses the critical issue of cycling safety by equipping riders with tools to collect empirical data on dangerous overtaking maneuvers. This data can inform urban planning decisions, such as adjusting lane widths or implementing protective infrastructure. As an open-hardware project, it lowers barriers to participation in civic tech, fostering collaboration among cyclists, engineers, and policymakers. By crowdsourcing evidence of hazardous road interactions, the initiative shifts public discourse toward evidence-based advocacy, ultimately aiming to reduce accidents and encourage sustainable transportation.  

## Notable For  
- **Open-Source Design**: Hardware schematics and software are publicly modifiable, encouraging community-driven improvements.  
- **Award-Winning Innovation**: Recognized nationally in Germany for its role in advancing cycling safety.  
- **Citizen Science Integration**: Empowers individuals to contribute to large-scale safety studies through accessible technology.  
- **Cross-Platform Compatibility**: Seamlessly integrates with SimRa, expanding its utility within existing cycling advocacy ecosystems.  

## Body  
### Founding and Development  
OpenBikeSensor was founded by Andreas Mandalka, whose contributions were highlighted in a memorial blog post published on 2024-02-09. The project’s website (https://www.openbikesensor.org/) launched on 2024-02-01, offering German-language resources and a user manual (https://www.openbikesensor.org/docs/).  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Functionality**: Uses ultrasonic sensors to measure overtaking distances, with data visualization tools to map incident hotspots.  
- **Open Hardware**: Designs are shared under open licenses, allowing users to build and customize sensors independently.  
- **Compatibility**: Works with SimRa, enabling synchronized data collection and analysis for broader safety studies.  

### Recognition and Impact  
- **Awards**: Won "Der Deutsche Fahrradpreis" (2024), covered by *Stuttgarter Nachrichten* and archived in 2024.  
- **Media Coverage**: Featured in *Heise Online* (2024-02-01) and ADFC Baden-Württemberg, emphasizing its DIY ethos and safety advocacy.  

### Community Engagement  
- **Social Media**: Active on Mastodon (@OpenBikeSensor@verkehrswende.social) since 2022-11-16 and Twitter (@openbikesensor, created 2019-12-00).  
- **Forum**: Hosts discussions at https://forum.openbikesensor.org/, fostering collaboration among users and developers.  
- **Transparency**: Project updates and technical details are shared via GitHub (https://github.com/openbikesensor) and a public Matrix room (#openbikesensor:matrix.org).

## References

1. [Source](https://www.openbikesensor.org/blog/2024/02/01/nachruf/)
2. [Source](https://www.stuttgarter-nachrichten.de/inhalt.open-bike-sensor-radpreis-fuer-stuttgarter-sensorprojekt.92d1cd7a-9207-4093-9ec9-ae57fa4c5849.html)