WeCount Project

The Idea

WeCount is a European project that enables citizens to initiate a policy-making process with fully automated measurement data in the field of mobility and air quality. The concept is simple: with a sensor in combination with a low-cost computer and software, anyone can measure the traffic and air pollution in his or her street. And with this measurement data, an individual citizen or a group of citizens can contact the local or regional government and advocate for more sustainable mobility in the area. We will empower local communities and schools with low cost sensors to monitor traffic volumes, speed and composition (cars, pedestrian, bikes and heavy vehicles) along with air pollution (particulate matter). We will also provide tools to analyse the data and produce policy proposals for more sustainable local mobility.

The sensors will provide evidence that local communities and schools can then use to demonstrate how their local areas are affected by high traffic volumes, speeding, high levels of air pollution etc. It will also provide evidence of the need for adequate infrastructure for more sustainable mobility by showing that the area has high numbers of people cycling while there might be no protected cycling lanes.

What you can do

You can lead a group in your local area to install monitors and gather the data need to make better informed decisions around sustainable mobility in your local area. As part of the Microsoft Community Challenge, you can access the funding needed to buy the monitors (€500) and then work with the wider WeCount Network to analyse the data and take action.