Stay Safe on the Road – With Digital Guidance

The mobile app we designed and developed provides bicycle railcar riders with real-time information along the route. This includes various points of interest (POIs) such as stops, bridges, and the locations of other railcars on the route, as well as directions to the nearest turnaround point. The app aims not only to enhance the tourist experience but also to aid in navigation and ensure safety during rides.

Technically, the solution is designed as a cross-platform app for Android and iOS and is published as an open-source project on GitHub. This lays the groundwork for a future release in the app stores.

At the start of the project, we identified the most important features and determined where functionality could be scaled back to meet the tight time and budget constraints. As a result, we agreed with the client that the app would not yet be available for download from the app stores by the end of the project.

The project team was deliberately kept small, with just one person handling front-end development, and the next steps were discussed with the client in weekly meetings. For the back end, another person was brought in remotely by the client. There were no lengthy planning phases. Instead, it was: on your marks, get set, go!

But we didn’t have to start from scratch. The programming was based on existing projects by CAU students on the topic of handcar tracking (React Native app), providing a solid foundation for our work.

In terms of design, we focused on functionality and leveraged existing elements, such as the Malente Tourism Association’s brand identity and a public-domain handcar logo. In this project, we didn’t reinvent the wheel, but rather adapted it so that we could precisely meet our client’s needs and specifications.

The result is a mobile app for iOS and Android that was designed and programmed in just four months. It combines navigation, safety, and information into a digital companion for bike-draisine rides.

Navigation Along the Route
An interactive map displays the railroad route, available rail bikes, and more than 40 relevant points of interest from railroad crossings and stops to turnaround points and road crossings.

Stay safe on the road with the ride tracking feature
Once you select your handcar, the app tracks your position along the route and provides timely alerts about potential encounters with other handcars or upcoming railroad crossings.

All key ride data at a glance
Speed, distance, and ride time are clearly displayed. Additionally, the app provides information on the distance to the next handcar as well as upcoming railroad crossings and turning points.

Document rides and provide feedback
After the ride, key data can be summarized and saved in the digital logbook. An integrated feedback feature also allows you to provide direct feedback on the ride.

More Than Just Navigation
A comprehensive menu brings together helpful information on using the handcar, service contacts, the history of the railway line, past trips, and legal notices. The app is also bilingual and can be used entirely in English.