SafeRoute

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  SafeRoute

Inspiration

Walking alone at night or in unfamiliar neighborhoods can feel unsafe, especially for students, travelers, and new residents in New York. I wanted to create something that not only provides directions but also helps people feel secure in their journey. That’s how SafeRoute was born a navigation app focused on safety, not just speed.

What it does

SafeRoute suggests routes that prioritize safety by factoring in crime data, street lighting, and live community feedback. Instead of just showing the fastest way, it shows the safest way, giving users peace of mind. Right now, SafeRoute only works for New York City, since that’s where reliable data sources are available.

How I built it

I combined Google Maps API for navigation, open-source New York crime data, and community reporting features to assess route safety. The app was built using React Native for cross-platform usability, with a Firebase backend for authentication and data storage.

Challenges I ran into

• Integrating multiple New York specific data sources into one cohesive safety score.
• Balancing speed vs. safety in the routing algorithm.
• Designing a simple, stress-free interface for users.

Accomplishments that I’m proud of

• Successfully integrating New York crime and lighting data into real-time navigation.
• Designing an interface that helps users feel safe, not overwhelmed.
• Building a working prototype that could genuinely help people in their daily lives.

What I learned

I learned how to merge technical problem-solving with human-centered design, making sure technology serves real needs. I also realized the importance of reliable local data in creating a trustworthy safety app.

What's next for SafeRoute

I plan to:

• Expand SafeRoute beyond New York by connecting to other cities’ open-data systems.
• Introduce AI-powered predictive safety scoring based on time of day, weather, and past incidents.
• Partner with universities, local governments, and travel companies to make SafeRoute widely available.

Built With

• openstreetmap
• pandas
• python
• streamlit