Cyclists know the risks that face them every time they ride.
And while safety measures like active lights, visibility clothing and helmets are crucial, cities can and should be implementing life-saving technologies at an intersection level to proactively protect cyclists from the dangers of the road.
But before we explore the solutions, let's first understand the problems.
0
%
rise in pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities in the 10 years between 2008 and 2017.
Pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities increased by 32% in the 10-year period between 2008 and 2017. During that same time period, total traffic fatalities decreased by 0.8%. (Source: Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center)
770
cyclists killed in traffic crashes in the U.S. in 2019.
When a crash occurs between a vehicle and a bike, it’s the cyclist who is most likely to be injured. A large percentage of crashes can be avoided if motorists and cyclists follow the rules of the road and watch out for each other. (Source: The Bike Adviser)
0
%
of cyclist fatalities occurred at an intersection.
The majority of pedalcyclist fatalities occurred in urban areas and because intersections have transportation infrastructure in place, it is vital that we focus on these locations when implementing life-saving solutions. (Source: NHTSA)
Multimodal Solutions for the Modern Intersection
For more than two decades, Iteris has been dedicated to developing end-to-end solutions that help all road users reach their destinations safely and on time.
From signal-mounted detection sensors to the advanced algorithms that power them, and from in-controller processors to mobility intelligence software in traffic management centers, Iteris' bicycle and pedestrian intelligence platforms support multimodal transportation strategies across the country.
1. Bike Detection and Differentiation
If a bicycle isn't detected, it is less protected. If it can't be differentiated from other vehicles, then the cyclist can't be given the appropriate amount of green time to safely cross an intersection. Iteris proudly introduced the world's first bicycle detection technology in 2010 and has been perfecting the art of detection and differentiation ever since.
• Identifies individual bicycles
• Adjusts signal timing
• Connects with traffic controller
• Cuts phase short if no bikes present
2. Bicycle Counting
What good is bike detection and differentiation if they can't count how many bikes are present at an intersection? With advanced bike counting capabilities, all Vantage video detection systems can determine how many cyclists are at a stop, and whether they're in a group of bikes or next to a car.
• Tracks and counts bicycles in any lane
• Accurate counts regardless of street position
• Handles multiple approaching bicycles
3. Pedestrian Awareness and Counting
Any multimodal safety initiative demands that pedestrians are counted and protected. Agencies wanting a more complete view of intersection usage can now access bi-directional counting and speed tracking of pedestrians within the crosswalk. Iteris pedestrian awareness system is available as part of all new Vantage video detection installations.
• Bi-directional counting and speed tracking
• Detection outputs for enhanced safety applications
• Automatic crosswalk traffic data collection
4. Bicycle Indication
Bicycle detection, differentiation and counting are three crucial pieces of the puzzle, but if cyclists don't know they have been seen, they will never feel safe. Introducing the award-winning SmartCycle Bike Indicator:
• Mounts onto traffic signal
• Automatically illuminates when cyclist detected
• Allows extra green time for safer crossing
• Compatible with existing Vantage installations
5. Multimodal Intelligence
Too much data too little time? VantageLive! is the first service of its kind to simplify the process of presenting turning movement count data and can replace temporary data collection efforts. VantageLive! delivers insights that can then be viewed via a web browser by multiple agency personnel; from traffic engineers to the planning department and beyond.
• Real-time intersection data for all modes
• Daily mode share (vehicle/bikes/peds) views
• Exportable reports for funding applications