LOVE VELO: bike lane map bot

Do you know where the decent bike lane in your area runs, and where it ends after three hundred meters? Maps are often silent about this, while locals know. VELOJOL gathers that knowledge in one place, and the LOVE VELO bot helps fill the database: you add what you have seen yourself. 🚲

In return for helping, participants earn tickets for a monthly prize draw. It sounds simple, and the benefit to other cyclists is real.

A map written by cyclists

VELOJOL began as a map of bike lanes in cities. Today the project has sections for lanes, routes and a selection of bike shops. Cities on the site include Almaty, Astana, Shymkent, Pavlodar, Ufa, Kazan, Tyumen, Almetyevsk, Moscow and Saint Petersburg.

Right now routes on the site exist only for Almaty, while the other cities are covered by lanes. The more people contribute, the more useful the map becomes.

What you can add through the bot

The /add command starts adding a new object. The bot lists options such as a bike lane or a route. The profile also mentions bike shops and events.

• Bike lanes. Where one starts, where it ends, what the surface is like, any gaps.
• Routes. Good tracks for a ride or a commute.
• Bike shops and workshops. Where to buy parts or fix a wheel.
• Events. Rides, meetups, group trips.

Add only what you checked personally. One accurate point beats ten guesses. 📍

Tickets and the draw

The mechanics: you complete simple tasks, collect tickets and enter a monthly prize draw. More tickets mean a higher chance.

1. Press Start. The bot explains the details.
2. Do the tasks. For example, add an object with /add.
3. Check your tickets. The /mytickets command shows how many you have.
4. Watch the stats. The /stats command shows participant data.

Which prizes are offered and when results come out, you will see in the bot itself. Read the draw rules before taking part. 🎁

What to remember about the draw

A draw guarantees nothing: tickets raise your chance but never make it certain. Do not treat a prize as payment for your work.

Do not give the bot extra personal data. Adding a point to the map takes only a place and a description, not passport or payment details. ⚠️

Collecting good data for the map

If you want to add objects, a few habits make your entries useful to others.

• Take photos. A picture of the surface or a sign says more than words.
• Note the date. Lanes get repaired and closed.
• Keep it short. "Asphalt, no gaps, 2 km" beats a long story.
• Do not text while riding. Add points at a stop, not on the move.

Who it helps

City cyclists who want safe routes, beginners choosing where to ride, and anyone who likes to share finds. 🌆

Even if you add nothing, the project website helps you find lanes and shops nearby. The bot is for people who have something to report.