SnowHowYear-round active mobility – resources and network

Resources

4 resources

  • Dataset

    Dutch National Cycling Winter Maintenance Routes Dataset

    Fietsersbond; Rijkswaterstaat · 2025 · Netherlands

    An open national geospatial dataset identifying cycling routes designated for winter gritting and snow or ice treatment across the Netherlands. Compiled using Fietsersbond cycling network data and linked to the Dutch National Road Database (NWB), it enables municipalities, researchers and developers to map winter maintenance coverage, analyse network continuity and identify potential service gaps. The data is available in GIS-compatible formats, including CSV, GeoPackage and Shapefile. It describes designated treatment routes rather than verified real-time road conditions

    • Maintenance & Operations
    • Data & Monitoring
  • ResearchCase study

    Urban cold stress assessment using computational fluid dynamics and universal thermal climate index: A case study of Gwacheon City, South Korea

    Jaekyoung Kim, Samuel Park, Seungkwon Jung, Gunwon Lee · 2025 · South Korea

    This peer-reviewed study develops and validates a computational framework for assessing pedestrian-level cold stress in urban environments. Using 54 computational fluid dynamics (CFD) scenarios, urban surface material properties and the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), the researchers modelled winter microclimate conditions in Gwacheon, South Korea, and validated the results against observations from three meteorological stations. The analysis identified approximately 886,519 m² experiencing strong cold stress during a February 2025 cold-weather event, particularly around high-rise residential areas and exposed green spaces. The methodology provides a quantitative approach for identifying cold-stress hotspots and informing climate-responsive urban design, including material selection, building configuration and pedestrian thermal comfort.

    • Planning & Design
    • Data & Monitoring
  • ResearchCase study

    Efficient Public Underground Pedestrian Space in a Cold-Climate City: A Case Study of Sapporo, Japan

    Margarita Krivorotko, Tsuyoshi Setoguchi, Norihiro Watanabe · 2024 · Japan

    This study examines the role of underground pedestrian infrastructure in supporting year-round walking in Sapporo, Japan, a city characterised by cold winters and substantial snowfall. Focusing on the ChiKaHo underground pedestrian network, the researchers analyse pedestrian count data from 2019–2022 to investigate seasonal variations in pedestrian activity and the use of weather-protected public space. At the observation points studied, winter pedestrian volumes were 31–59% higher than in summer, highlighting the importance of sheltered pedestrian connections during harsh weather conditions. The study offers insights into how underground pedestrian networks can support accessibility, connectivity and everyday mobility in cold-climate cities. It provides a useful case study for urban planners considering the integration of protected pedestrian routes into year-round active mobility systems.

    • Data & Monitoring
  • Toolkit

    Fietsersbond Route Planner – Winter maintained routes

    Fietsersbond · Netherlands

    A winter-aware routing option within the Dutch Cyclists' Union's online bicycle route planner. The “Via Strooiroutes” profile prioritises roads and cycle paths designated by road authorities for gritting, sweeping or other winter slipperiness treatment. Where designated winter maintenance routes are unavailable, the planner also considers infrastructure characteristics such as pavement type and bridges. Users can display the mapped treatment routes and generate cycling journeys that favour infrastructure expected to receive winter maintenance. The tool demonstrates how winter maintenance information can be translated into a practical service for everyday cycling. However, the information may be incomplete and does not guarantee that a selected route has actually been cleared or treated.

    • Maintenance & Operations
    • Data & Monitoring
    • Behaviour & Mobility Management