In a UK pilot, AI-controlled traffic lights give cyclists green light

In a bid to encourage more sustainable urban mobility, a UK municipality is testing an innovative traffic light system that gives priority to cyclists. The trial uses AI-powered sensors to detect approaching riders and automatically adjust signal timings in their favor. The system, installed on the A34 Stratford Road, near Blythe Valley, where a cycle lane crosses a highway, employs video cameras and artificial intelligence to identify cyclists from up to 30 meters away.

As bikes approach, the lights for motorists turn red, while cyclists are given a green signal. By removing stops and starts, cycling becomes more appealing and efficient, potentially leading to fewer car trips, reduced traffic congestion and improved air quality. While the Stratford Road pilot prioritizes people on bikes, the lights can be programmed to favor different user groups based on time of day or a location's specific needs, and can adapt as urban mobility patterns evolve. The technology used here is by VivaCity; ViNotion developed a similar model that's being rolled out in various municipalities in the Netherlands.

Traffic management has long prioritized cars. Improving flow for cyclists and pedestrians represents a shift towards urban planning that is both more human-centric and more aligned with sustainability goals. If successful, these systems could accelerate the adoption of cycling as a primary mode of transit. And inject a bit of AI magic into people's daily commutes ✨🚦