To Fix Its Streets, China Turns to the Crowd

As China goes car crazy, a new crowdsourcing website seeks to address the needs of Beijing's lowly pedestrians and bicyclists, reports Nate Berg.

1 minute read

July 26, 2012, 10:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj

Apparently Beijing still does care for its iconic bikes. Despite recent city-building efforts that have focused on "building the highways and roads of a thoroughly car-dependent society," a new crowdsourcing website developed by Beijing Transport Research Center and the World Bank, "seeks to tap into the wisdom of Chinese
pedestrians and cyclists to identify areas in need of repair or
improvement in Beijing," writes Berg.

"It's a Chinese version of urban problem-spotting websites and apps such as SeeClickFix or FillThatHole.
By making it easy for people to identify problems and notify officials,
it's hoped that Beijing's website and mobile application will help make
the infrastructure of the city work not just for its motorists, but for
its still present pedestrians and bicyclists."

FULL STORY: China Crowdmaps Pedestrian and Cyclist Problem Areas

Wednesday, July 25, 2012 in The Atlantic Cities

Technology Transportation China Beijing Bicycles Pedestrians Crowdsourcing World Bank Beijing Transport Research Center View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.