Project Update

Can You Help Verify an AI-Generated Bike Map?

July 8, 2026

The public is invited to review and comment on an online bike map model, sharing local knowledge to help improve the accuracy of a first-of-its-kind countywide bicycle map.

Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) is asking the public to review an AI-generated bike map and identify missing bike facilities, incorrect route information and other issues before the map is finalized.

Community members are encouraged to begin by reviewing the areas they know best, such as the streets around their home, workplace, school or other frequent destinations. Using an interactive online map, participants can pin a comment to report missing facilities, incorrect comfort ratings, access issues and other observations that will help improve the final countywide bike map.

A final draft of the countywide bike map model is now available for public comment through Friday, August 14.

“The map is only as good as the information behind it,” said Transportation Planner, Peter Williamson. “The people who know our streets and neighborhoods best are the people who live, work and ride here. If you notice something missing or inaccurate in the neighborhood you know best, we’d like to hear from you.”

The project is a partnership between SBCAG, UC Santa Barbara and Simon Fraser University to develop California’s first AI-assisted, comfort-based bicycle map. Using artificial intelligence trained on OpenStreetMap and Google Street View, combined with community-reported data, the project evaluates bicycling comfort throughout Santa Barbara County. It is funded through a Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant.

The Bike Map Model is available in English and Spanish, with translation assistance available for community members who speak Mixteco or Mandarin. The project team is committed to creating opportunities for people of all backgrounds and abilities to participate.

“This project is more than creating a map,” said SBCAG Director of Multimodal Programs Aaron Bonfilio. “It’s about building a tool that can be updated over time and help people better understand bicycling options throughout Santa Barbara County. Community feedback today will help make that resource more accurate for years to come.”

By summer 2027, the project will deliver a connected countywide bicycle network, a modern, easily updated bike map and a regional wayfinding plan with recommendations for signs, placement strategies, and technologies such as digital kiosks.