Strava and GPS data from cycling apps can provide valuable evidence in bicycle accident cases. Ride data documenting your speed, route, and timing may support or undermine accident claims. Understanding how to use this evidence effectively helps cyclists protect their interests.

What GPS Data Captures

Cycling apps like Strava, Garmin Connect, Wahoo, and others record detailed ride information. Data typically includes precise route taken with GPS coordinates, speed at various points along the ride, timestamps showing when you were at specific locations, elevation and grade information, heart rate and power data if sensors are connected, and segment times comparing to previous rides.

This data creates a detailed record of your ride up to and potentially through the accident.

How GPS Data Can Help Your Case

Evidence supporting your claim may include documentation that you were riding at reasonable speeds, proof that you stopped at stop signs (speed dropping to zero), route confirmation showing you were in proper lanes, and timestamps establishing when the accident occurred and your approach.

GPS data can counter false allegations that you were speeding, ran stop signs, or were somewhere you claim you were not. Objective data often proves more persuasive than witness accounts.

Potential Risks of GPS Evidence

GPS data can also harm your case. Evidence that you were traveling at high speeds, failed to stop at intersections, or deviated from proper lanes may support comparative fault arguments against you.

Defense attorneys may subpoena your Strava or other app data in litigation. You cannot selectively disclose—if data exists, it may be discoverable regardless of whether it helps your case.

Privacy and Discovery Considerations

In litigation, both sides can request relevant evidence through discovery. If you used GPS tracking during your accident ride, that data is likely discoverable. Deleting data after an accident may constitute spoliation of evidence with serious legal consequences.

Privacy settings on apps do not prevent legal discovery. Even private activities can be subpoenaed in litigation.

Working with GPS Evidence

If you have GPS data from your accident ride, preserve it immediately. Export the data file and save copies. Do not delete the activity or modify the data.

Share the data with your attorney who can evaluate its implications. Beneficial data can be presented strategically. Harmful data must be addressed—attempting to hide it rarely succeeds and damages credibility.

Accuracy Limitations

GPS data has accuracy limitations. Position accuracy varies from several feet to tens of feet depending on conditions. Speed calculations derive from position changes and may have errors. Timestamps depend on device synchronization.

Expert witnesses can explain these limitations and provide context for interpreting data.

Third-Party GPS Data

Other cyclists or drivers may have GPS data documenting the accident area. Ride data from witnesses or even the at-fault driver's navigation data may provide evidence. Attorneys can pursue this information through discovery.

If you have relevant GPS data from a bicycle accident, consult with an attorney about how to handle this potentially powerful evidence.