AMIGOS - Measuring equipment at Hlemmur

Kristrún Gunnarsdóttir

Urban design The Bicycle City

Mobility Observation Box at intersection

The AMIGOS project is installing two sensors at Hlemmur to measure pedestrian and vehicle traffic for research purposes.

Measurements to identify hazards in mixed traffic

AMIGOS is short for "Active Mobility Innovations for Green and safe city sOlutionS" and is the name of a 4-year collaborative project with 28 partners from across Europe, funded by the EU's CINEA agency.

This is an innovation project on safety and user experience that also focuses on creating safe, affordable, and sustainable solutions that leave no one behind (e.g., older adults, disabled people, and young people).

The transformation of Hlemmur and its surroundings is the project's main local focus, aiming to set a precedent in this area; data gathering is a crucial part of this work. Reykjavík City and other public authorities collect data on accident rates, pollution, and noise, and regularly measure vehicle, cyclist, and pedestrian traffic in the area.

In addition, partners in Austria are assessing risks in mixed-traffic areas at different times of the year. In spring 2024, Norwegian partners will invite volunteers to activate an app to track their daily trips that include stops at Hlemmur.

Purpose and goals of smart sensors

MOB (Mobility Observation Box) is a measurement device developed by the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT). The measuring device is already being used for research across Europe, with an emphasis on identifying the main hazards where pedestrians and various types of vehicles intersect.

The device has received a favorable review from Austria's data protection authority, which operates on the same basis as the Icelandic Data Protection Authority, ensuring compliance with European data protection legislation as well as relevant national laws.

Key criteria for the device's use are a clear scientific purpose—specifically, research into preventing traffic accidents—and that it serves the public interest. To achieve this goal, the project follows core principles of data minimization and proportionality. For example, all video footage is blurred, and measurements are only conducted for seven to 10 days at a time.

The project systematically ensures data security. All data streams are encrypted during collection and not processed until AIT's research laboratory receives the device. Furthermore, the project guarantees that raw data will not be used for any purpose beyond the AMIGOS initiative, including observing time limits set for data retention after collection and analysis are complete.

Reykjavík City strives to ensure the reliability, confidentiality, and safety of all personal information the City handles, as outlined in Reykjavík City's Privacy Policy.

Measurements at Hlemmur will run from Oct. 27 to Nov. 6.

MOB recently received an award for its importance in AIT's traffic safety research.

Contacts at Reykjavík City:

More information [updated Jan. 17, 2025]

View the information page for the AMIGOS project.. It mentions the current project liaison.