One of the USA’s leading suppliers of applied informatics systems for the transportation industry, Iteris Inc., has released a series of award-winning new enhancements to its SmartCycle bicycle detection technology.
According to the most recent data from the US Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), bicycle deaths reached a seven-year high in 2015, with a 13% increase on the previous year, with a large number of fatalities taking place at signalized intersections. Since its initial release in 2013, SmartCycle has been the first detection system to differentiate between bicycles and vehicles. By making this distinction and providing special outputs to the traffic controller, traffic engineers can alter signal timing to ensure that cyclists are given sufficient green signal time to safely cross an intersection.
In addition to the company’s continued efforts to provide accurate detection of bicycles at signalized intersections, Iteris now offers the SmartCycle Bike Indicator; a mountable, easy-to-install device that alerts cyclists of their detection. By indicating to cyclists that they have been detected, they will no longer have to risk dismounting in traffic to push a separate button, which in turn makes intersection timing more efficient. Cyclists can now have peace of mind and avoid potential safety hazards when waiting to cross an intersection.
Earlier this year, the SmartCycle Bike Indicator won a 2018 BIG Innovation Award from the Business Intelligence Group, which recognize organizations that bring new ideas to life and change the way people experience the world. The new SmartCycle bicycle detection algorithms are available now from Iteris, along with the new Bike Indicator unit. The company will be sponsoring, exhibiting and demonstrating the technology at the upcoming National Bike Summit, organized by the League of American Bicyclists, in Washington DC from March 5-7.
“We have always invested in ensuring that our object detection algorithms are world class,” said Todd Kreter, senior vice president and general manager of roadway sensors at Iteris. “As agencies are consistently demanding more from their detection systems, we will continue to provide value-added features such as SmartCycle, and address the growing population of bicyclists and other modes to support improved safety initiatives.”
Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists, noted, “Safety, accessibility and peace of mind for people on bicycles are top priorities for us. This new technology from Iteris helps tackle these issues head on and is testament to their ongoing work to make intersections safer for the cycling community.”
