BE-SAFE at the SPARK International Partnership Meeting — UBI, Covilhã
April 22, 2026 · University of Beira Interior (UBI), Portugal
The BE-SAFE project was presented at the University of Beira Interior (UBI) during the partners’ meeting of the Interreg project SPARK (Smart Planning for Agile Urban Mobility Solutions). The presentation highlighted BE-SAFE’s approach to enhancing cycling safety and promoting active mobility within smart city frameworks.
The event brought together international experts and decision-makers from Portugal, Spain, Romania, Croatia, Moldova, Cyprus, Lithuania, and Bulgaria, representing municipalities, intermunicipal communities, regional development agencies, and technology and innovation hubs. By participating in this forum, BE-SAFE reaffirms its commitment to placing cycling safety at the heart of European smart city mobility policies.
AIMAS 2026 — International Conference on Accessibility and Inland Mobility Advancement Strategies
April 2026 · Sicily, Italy
BE-SAFE was represented at the International Conference Accessibility and Inland Mobility Advancement Strategies (AIMAS 2026) in Sicily by Bertha Santos, who presented the project’s research framework and ongoing results to an international audience of transport and mobility experts.
1st In-Person Meeting — Brașov, Romania
March 13–14, 2026 · Universitatea Transilvania din Brașov (UniTBV)
The BE-SAFE consortium held its first in-person midpoint meeting at UniTBV in Brașov, Romania. The two-day event reviewed the results of the first six months of the project and set the direction for the next phase.
Day 1 · March 13
Session I — Results & Ongoing Execution (Tasks 1, 2 & 3)
- Welcome from the local host, UniTBV
- Overall project status update (UBI)
- Task 1 (UBI): presentation of accident risk maps and ongoing machine-learning–based predictive models for bicycle accident severity; update on Master’s dissertation integration
- Task 2 (UniTBV): analysis of the psychological survey results, covering risk profiles and cyclist motivation
- Task 3 (UPNA): review of sensor installation protocols and status of real-time data collection (braking/acceleration patterns and V2X testing)
Session II — Integration & Simulation (Tasks 4 & 5)
- Data fusion strategy: integrating Task 1–3 outputs into the unified risk-assessment framework
- Simulation architecture: defining the SUMO–Veins–PLEXE toolchain for sensing, communication and road-infrastructure redesign
- Validation planning: parameters for small-scale pilot/laboratory testing (Task 5)
Session III — Education & Dissemination
- Abstract submitted to ETC 2026 (European Transport Conference, Porto)
- Workshop integration proposal: Introduction to GeoAI in GIS – Cyclist Safety (GeoIA-EPIC, UBI) as a BE-SAFE educational activity
- Preliminary discussion on a BIP Erasmus+ 2027–2028 joint Blended Intensive Programme
- Brainstorming session on the Project Dissemination Microsite (this website)
- Definition of authorship and core findings for the open-access journal article
Session IV — Project Continuity, Funding Calls & New Partners
| Programme | Focus | Window |
|---|---|---|
| UNITA Advancing Grants | Scaling BE-SAFE across the UNITA alliance | Mar 2 – Apr 17, 2026 |
| Erasmus+ Cooperation Partnerships | Smart City Safety Planners curriculum | Mar 2026 & Mar 2027 |
| EIT Urban Mobility | Municipal pilot testing of V2X / sensor strategy | Apr – Jun 2026 |
| Horizon Europe (Cluster 5) | Large-scale integration into EU Mission Cities | Sep – Oct 2026 |
| EU City Facility / URBACT | Physical infrastructure interventions from Task 4 | Early–Mid 2027 |
Potential new partners discussed:
- University of Pau and Pays de l’Adour (France) — Computer Science
- HES-SO Haute École Spécialisée de Suisse Occidentale (Switzerland) — Computer Science
Day 2 · March 14
- Evaluation of the Call for UNITA Infrastructure Grants
- Pilot analysis of selected urban locations for field trials
- Cultural programme: visit to Bran Castle
All consortium members participated in person. Detailed minutes and presentation slides are available to partners on request.
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