A pioneering scheme which aims to give cyclists more time at green traffic lights is being piloted in London.
Trials are taking place along Cable Street on Cycle Superhighway 3, where machines are detecting the numbers of cyclists travelling along a route. This enables the traffic signal timings to be adjusted to give more green time when there are high numbers of cyclists at key junctions during peak times.
TfL is testing two types of new technology — one radar-based and one thermal-based, which detects the heat of riders as they enter the detection zone — to measure their effectiveness in detecting cyclists.
The data gathered will be used to make timings at traffic signals reflect demand on a second-by-second basis, helping to provide benefit to cycle flow at junctions.
Garrett Emmerson, chief operating officer for surface transport at TfL, said: "By having traffic signals that are able to detect when there are high numbers of cyclists waiting at junctions, we can ensure they are given adequate time and safe passage through the junction, balancing the needs of everyone."
If the trials are successful, the scheme will be rolled out across the capital.
See also: Cycling at all-time high; safety figures depend on who you talk to
