Smart City Solutions: Freemove App Enables Efficient Management of Loja’s Bike Lanes

Mobility is an important area of focus for Smart City research due to the vast amount of data that can be generated. The use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to improve people’s quality of life and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of city processes, services, and infrastructures has given rise to a new urban paradigm. Loja, a city in Ecuador, has significant potential to implement this concept. In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the promotion and use of bicycles in the city, with positive effects on the environment and the riders themselves. However, the data generated by these rides is not currently being utilized in a way that allows for in-depth analysis, hindering the city’s ability to become a smart city. To address this gap, this study proposes the development of a technological architecture called Freemove that collects, analyzes, and visualizes data generated by cyclists in the city of Loja. A web and mobile technology platform, built using the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architectural pattern and the Firebase cloud service, is suggested. Firebase is a Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS) that provides real-time data management and application deployment capabilities. The platform was tested, and a significant amount of data was collected and analyzed through the mobile application. The findings suggest that cyclists tend to make their journeys in the evening, particularly in the city center, where integrated bike lanes with proper signage are available. This platform could be customized and applied to other cities that are interested in promoting sustainable mobility.