BUG Network

Why Bicycle User Groups matter for infrastructure data

What are Bicycle User Groups?

Bicycle User Groups (BUGs) are local cycling advocacy organizations that work to improve cycling infrastructure and safety in their communities. They:

  • Advocate for better cycling infrastructure with local councils
  • Organize community rides and cycling events
  • Maintain local knowledge about cycling conditions and routes
  • Provide feedback on infrastructure projects and urban planning

Why BUGs Are Critical for Data Quality

BUG members are the experts on their local cycling infrastructure. They know:

Local Context

Which routes are actually safe vs. just look safe on a map. Where seasonal issues occur (flooding, ice, construction). How infrastructure is actually used by cyclists.

Historical Knowledge

What's changed recently, what's planned for the future, and which data points need updating. They often spot infrastructure changes before maps do.

Verification Authority

BUG members can validate crowdsourced data, ensuring accuracy before it's added to OpenStreetMap or used in routing.

Community Trust

When a local BUG endorses infrastructure data, other cyclists trust it. This builds confidence in the platform.

Our Scope with BUGs

VicBUG is a platform for sharing infrastructure data and engaging cyclists. We provide tools for BUGs to contribute to better data, but we're not trying to replace or integrate BUG organizations themselves.

✅ What We Do

  • • Provide data collection and verification tools for BUG members
  • • Share infrastructure data that supports BUG advocacy work
  • • Create team challenges that help BUGs systematically map their areas
  • • Offer verified data exports for BUG planning and reports
  • • Build individual websites for interested BUG organizations (on request)

❌ What We Don't Do

  • • Create a centralized BUG network platform
  • • Manage BUG memberships or internal communications
  • • Handle BUG events, rides, or advocacy campaigns
  • • Replace existing BUG websites or systems
  • • Force integration between different BUG groups

How BUGs Can Use VicBUG

1. Data Collection Campaigns

Organize group rides to systematically verify and map cycling infrastructure in your area. Use team challenges to gamify the process and track progress.

Example: "Let's verify all protected lanes in our municipality by the end of the month"

2. Advocacy Evidence

Export verified infrastructure data to support presentations to councils. Show exactly where gaps exist and where improvements are needed.

Example: "Here's data showing our area has only 3km of protected lanes vs. 45km in neighboring suburbs"

3. Community Engagement

Encourage your members to use VicBUG for route planning and hazard reporting. Their usage improves data quality for everyone.

Example: "All our members using the app means we have real-time infrastructure verification"

4. Custom Websites (Optional)

If your BUG wants a dedicated web presence, we can build one for you. This is separate from VicBUG but can integrate with the data.

Interested? Learn about our white-label solutions →

Why This Approach Works

We're not trying to centralize or control BUG groups. Instead, we're providing a shared tool that makes their existing work more effective:

  • ✓ BUGs remain independent and autonomous
  • ✓ Each group can use VicBUG in whatever way suits them
  • ✓ Data is open and shared, benefiting all cyclists
  • ✓ BUG advocacy becomes more data-driven and evidence-based
  • ✓ The cycling community grows stronger through better information