IndyGo and Briometrix are seeking volunteers to assist in a data mapping mobility pilot program. For nine days in September, IndyGo and Briometrix will map the accessibility of the existing pathways near future Purple Line stations. The project will result in a visual map of the level of difficulty to traverse the area, especially for individuals who use a wheelchair or have limited mobility.

The mobility partnership is one of two mobility pilots selected to receive funding this year from IndyGo as part of the agency’s commitment to exploring different ways of providing transportation services in the Indianapolis area.

Briometrix, a company that specializes in footpath data services, will equip and employ up to five individuals who use wheelchairs (the Pilots), to survey the pathways. The Pilots' wheelchairs will be equipped with a Briometrix data logger along with a video camera and smart phone. As the wheelchair passes over the sidewalks, curb ramps, and intersections, the technology will log and analyze the forces around the wheelchair.

The resulting map will be color-coded and utilize clickable icons to show effort ratings, material of the pathways, and curb and sidewalk hazards to demonstrate how accessible the journey is to and from transit stations in the area. These maps will be available via the IndyGo website and offered to the City of Indianapolis for display as well.

A trained Briometrix field lead will be on site with the mappers each day. Logger technology is supplied by Briometrix, but all Brio Pilot mappers will use their own personal wheelchairs. The Pilot mappers will be trained over one day and should be available for the full nine days of mapping for about four to five hours each day. Briometrix and IndyGo will adhere to strict cleaning of equipment and provide mappers with PPE.

Mapping is expected to take place over a nine-day period in mid-September, with final map layers available to IndyGo and the City of Indianapolis by Nov. 1.