Why traffic lights could give cyclists the priority over cars
Ben Clatworthy transport correspondent, The Times • September 10, 2024
Traffic lights controlled by AI will give priority to cyclists and pedestrians and reduce waiting times at red lights.
Traffic lights that prioritise cyclists over cars are being tested to give people on two wheels “uninterrupted journeys”.
The technology has been installed at a toucan crossing, a type used by both pedestrians and cyclists. AI-controlled sensors detect riders up to 30m away and cause the lights to turn red for motorists.
By the time the cyclist arrives, the lights for bikes and pedestrians are green, “giving [them] a smoother, uninterrupted journey on their bikes”, said the council that covers Solihull, West Midlands.
The technology is being tested on the A34 Stratford Road, near Blythe Valley, where a cycle lane crosses a dual carriageway.
“It uses a video camera on board a sensor,” said Mark Nicholson, the chief executive of VivaCity, the company that developed the technology.
“AI is able to identify what it sees, but without any personal information, for example, a cyclist 20m away, a pedestrian 10m away. It means an authority can build algorithms for the junction that say, ‘In this place I want to prioritise cyclists’ or ‘at 3pm, as school ends, I want to prioritise pedestrians’.”
Louise Haigh, the transport secretary, has said the Labour government plans to invest “unprecedented levels of funding” in cycling and walking. She is keen to promote safe cycle routes and believes pushing active travel is vital to reduce the burden on the NHS.
Sarah McMonagle, the director of external affairs at Cycling UK, said: “Historically traffic signals have prioritised maximising the flow of cars. As a result, people who walk and cycle can spend a lot of time waiting to cross.
“The traffic light trial is a clear and positive step in the right direction. We can encourage more people to make shorter journeys by foot or bike.”
Richard Parker, the Labour mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Road safety is a top priority for me and I want everyone to feel secure when cycling or walking. This project gives us a chance to see how AI can make our roads safer to give [people] more time to cross safely.
“This is just one part of my plan to make our streets safer and encourage more people to cycle, meaning improved fitness, fewer traffic jams and cleaner air.”
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) said the trials were part of “a broader effort to promote active travel [including] cycling, wheeling [using a scooter, wheelchair or rollator] and walking, and offer them greater priority over motor vehicles”.
Sensors on ordinary pedestrian crossings are only able to identify objects. The authority said the trial aimed to “tackle several challenges including the need to accurately detect different users at varying speeds”. The AI system avoids false detections, which could disrupt the flow of motor traffic.
Figures released last month by the Department for Transport showed that cycling accounted for 2 per cent of trips in England in 2023, and 1 per cent of distance travelled on average.
“Cities need to get more intelligent,” Nicholson said. “The ‘smart city’ notion has been kicking around for decades but is coming true because the technology is to be able to make these intelligent decisions without getting into personal data.”
The May Flyer Double 100 (also known as the SWRC May Flyer) is a long-standing cycling sportive in the UK. It is organised by the South Western Road Club (SWRC) and has been running for over 25 years. The "Double 100" refers to the event's signature offering of two distinct route options for participants: The Flyer: A 100-kilometre (approx. 62-mile) route that meanders through the North Downs and Surrey Hills. The Flyer Challenge: A 100-mile (approx. 162-kilometre) route that crosses the North Downs into West Sussex and back. Event Details Next Event Date: Sunday, 17th May 2026. Start/Finish Location: Cobham Village Hall, Surrey. Terrain: Scenic but challenging, featuring notable climbs like Staple Lane, Pitch Hill, and Combe Bottom. Entry: Limited to 500 riders, with registration typically available through platforms like SiEntries. Charity: All profits from the event are donated to local charities. https://www.swrc.org.uk/may-flyer/about-the-may-flyer
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