RideFollow lets you share a bike ride so the people you care about can watch it live, like a race. Because the whole point is sharing your location while you ride, we want to be plain about what we collect, why, and who can see it. This is a small project built in public — no ad networks, no data brokers, no quiet tracking.
The short version
- We collect your location only while you're broadcasting a ride — including in the background, so the live dot keeps moving when your screen is off.
- You decide who watches. Each ride gets a fresh private link; only people you give it to can follow you live.
- We don't sell your data, show you ads, or run third-party analytics or trackers.
- You're in control: stop broadcasting any time, and revoke location permission in your device settings.
In this policy, "RideFollow," "we," or "us" refers to the maker of the RideFollow app (contact below). "You" means anyone using the app — whether you're the rider broadcasting a ride or part of the crowd watching one.
Information we collect
Location data
When you start broadcasting a ride, RideFollow collects your device's precise GPS location and uses it to place your moving dot on the map and to calculate ride telemetry such as speed, distance covered, and elevation. From this we also derive your route — the line you've travelled.
Background location
So the live feed keeps updating while the app is in the background or your screen is locked, RideFollow accesses location in the background during an active ride. We only do this while a ride is in progress. We do not collect your location when you're not broadcasting.
Ride content you provide
If you upload a GPX route file (for example, a planned route), we read it from your device to show the route in the app. You choose when to do this.
Connection details stored on your device
To deliver the live stream, the app stores the credentials it needs to connect to our live-position service. These are kept in your device's secure storage (the iOS Keychain or Android Keystore / encrypted storage) and are not exposed to other apps.
What we don't collect
- No advertising identifiers, and no advertising networks.
- No third-party analytics, behavioural tracking, or cross-app tracking.
- We don't ask for your contacts, photos, or microphone.
How your ride is shared
RideFollow is built around the crowd — the people watching. When you start a ride, the app creates a fresh private link for that ride only. You share it with whoever you want watching (a partner, family, friends), and they can open it to follow you live.
Anyone who has a ride's link can see that ride's live position and telemetry while it's active, and can replay it afterwards. Treat the link like a key: share it only with people you're happy to have watching. Different ride, different link.
How we use information
- To broadcast your live position and telemetry to the people you've shared a ride link with.
- To show your position, route, and progress on a map.
- To let you and your crowd replay a finished ride.
- To keep the app working and to fix problems.
We do not use your information for advertising or sell it to anyone.
Who your information is shared with
- The people you invite. Anyone you give a ride link to can watch that ride. This is the core function of the app.
- Our live-position service. Your position updates pass through a messaging service we operate or contract for, so they reach your followers in real time.
- Google Maps. The app uses Google Maps to display the map. Your use of the map is also subject to Google's Privacy Policy.
We may disclose information if required by law, or to protect the rights, safety, and security of our users and the service.
Data retention
Live position data exists to be delivered to your crowd in the moment. We keep ride data only as long as needed to provide the features above (live following and replay) and to operate the service, after which it is deleted or anonymised. You can ask us to delete your ride data at any time using the contact details below.
Your choices and controls
- Stop any time. End a ride to stop broadcasting your location.
- Location permission. Grant, limit, or revoke location (including background) access in your device's system settings. RideFollow can't broadcast without it.
- Control your audience. Only share a ride link with people you want watching.
- Deletion & access. Email us to request access to, or deletion of, your data.
Security
Sensitive connection details are stored in your device's secure, OS-provided storage, and live data is transmitted over encrypted connections. No method of transmission or storage is ever 100% secure, but we take reasonable steps to protect your information.
Children's privacy
RideFollow is not directed to children under 13 (or the minimum age in your country), and we do not knowingly collect their personal information. If you believe a child has provided us information, contact us and we'll delete it.
Build-in-public note
RideFollow is an early app, developed openly and changing quickly. As features evolve, the data we handle may change too — and we'll update this page when it does. If something here is unclear, please just ask.
Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We'll revise the "Last updated" date above, and for significant changes we'll provide a more prominent notice in the app or on this page.
Contact
Questions, requests, or anything privacy-related:
RideFollow — Francesco Vezzani