Cyclists get the Green Light

14 October 2020

Over the past few months, the Department for Transport (DFT) has been encouraging people to cycle more, both for pleasure and as an alternative way to commute to work. The government has invested in several schemes, including Cycle to Work and repair vouchers for bikes. And, it seems to have worked. 

The Times reported, “The national “travel attitudes” survey by the Department for Transport (DfT) suggested that almost four in ten people cycled or walked more between May and July than before the pandemic and 94 per cent thought it was “likely that they would continue” to travel by bike or on foot in the long term”. 

Now a new generation of smart traffic lights will automatically recognise cyclists using artificial intelligence (AI) and change to green, allowing them to pass straight through. 

This technology has been developed by Now Wireless, a surrey-based provider of state of the art communications and sensors. 

So, how does it work? 

The technology uses a camera, mounted on and synchronised with a traffic light, which can ‘see’ up to fifty metres ahead of the traffic light. AI can recognise a bicycle and change the light to green to allow the cyclist to pass straight through. At present, the green light will apply to all traffic, however, it is possible that this could be further adapted for cycle-only traffic lights. 

The cameras are currently being trialled in Coventry, Wolverhampton and Southampton, at less than £700 per traffic light.  

Brian Jackson, chief executive of Now Wireless, said, “Our system deals with the reality that cyclists sometimes run through a red light. It does so by simply making sure it’s always green for them. The system will allow councils to send a message, where appropriate, that cycling is being encouraged by giving riders priority. Our system can be calibrated to prioritise even a single cyclist approaching a junction.”

At Marshall Minibus, safety is our top priority. We recognise the need to improve traffic conditions for the ever-increasing volume of cyclists on our roads and are pleased to see new technology being introduced to support this. To find out more about our minibus leasing options, please contact us on 01480 220444 or email info@marshall-minibus.co.uk.

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