WATCH: Bike light sensor data to help plan safer cycling routes in Jersey

Tuesday 21 February 2023

Data collected by cyclists in Jersey through special bike light sensors is to be used to help plan safer travel routes across the island, and encourage more people to get on their bikes.

The project is being called 'Lifecycle' and involves the first 'data trust' set up under Jersey Trust Law.

Announced as part of Digital Jersey's annual review, the data trust was set up by using Jersey's trust Laws to manage data instead of financial assets.

This pilot project forms part of the its strategy to position Jersey as a leading jurisdiction for data stewardship.

To test the data trust concept, data will be collected by cyclists in Jersey through special bike light sensors and held in the trust.

Video: Technology Development Consultant Rachel Harker talking about the data trust.

Whilst the primary focus of the pilot is to test the viability of using a trust structure to explore the data stewardship concept, a secondary aim is to generate useful data and intelligence around safe cycling.

Digital Jersey will now look to recruit cyclists to join the project. 

Regius Professor of Computer Science and Digital Jersey Non-Executive Director, Dame Wendy Hall, said: “This is a ground-breaking project that brings together two of Jersey’s great strengths – digital innovation and its experience in trust administration. Data as a commodity is becoming more and more valuable, and organisations and governments are increasingly needing to find independent, robust ways to manage, store, protect and share their data effectively.

“This pilot will look at how holding data as an asset in a trust works in practice and explore how Jersey could play a leading role in responsible data stewardship.”

Great event in Jersey. Watch this space for announcement soon about the Lifecycle, the first data trust they have set up under Jersey Trust Law. Very exciting https://t.co/tx3SpUSjI2

— Wendy Hall (@DameWendyDBE) February 10, 2023

Paul Vane, Jersey’s Information Commissioner, added: “As the AI and data revolution unfolds, there’s no doubt that global demand for third party data stewardship services will grow. The security of complex, personal (often sensitive) data, however, is critical.

"In theory, Jersey’s tried-and-tested trust law may be a good fit for holding data in this context, and this pilot will be instrumental in testing how such an innovative approach to data stewardship could work in a real-world environment, whilst respecting the protections afforded to individuals under data protection legislation.” 

Jared Dann, Partner at Appleby in Jersey, said: “Few, if any, jurisdictions have the same amount of experience in the trust sector, the necessary legislative and regulatory framework, or the required governance platform in place to provide a solution like this.

"This pilot scheme provides a fantastic opportunity for Jersey to demonstrate how it can draw on its long-standing trust expertise and apply it in a new, innovative context.” 

You can find out more about the pilot project online.

Pictured top: Rachel Harker, Technology Development Consultant for Digital Jersey, and Gordon Porter, cycling advocate and first member of the scheme, being introduced to the gadget being used in the project.