Green for go if you are on two wheels: Motion sensors change traffic signals for cyclists

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By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 8:12 AM on 4th August 2011

Cycling just became a lot safer for residents in the city of Pleasanton, California, after military technology has started being used to trigger traffic lights.

The device, dubbed the Intersector, can sense when a bicycle is approaching the intersection and extend a green signal for the cyclist by about 13 to 15 seconds.

The Intersector uses microwave motion sensors to recognise the bike and prolongs the green light so the cyclist has more time to clear the intersection.

Military technology: The Intersector has been attached to traffic light poles in Pleasanton, San Francisco

Pleasanton, located in the San Francisco Bay Area, is the first city in the U.S. to use the $5,000 devices.

 

The city has installed half a dozen on a selection of intersection poles to make the changing of traffic lights less frightening for cyclists.

Senior transportation engineer, Joshua Pack, told CBS San Francisco that the microwave motion sensor wasn't initially intended to promote bicycle safety.

Safer for cyclists: Pleasanton is the first city in the U.S. to use the $5,000 devices

But said: 'Light bulbs went off and we had that 'a-ha moment.'

And Mr Pack said the Intersectors have received 'rave reviews' since the first one was installed in January 2010.

Since then, the city has installed another six and has ordered four more to replace existing video and sensor systems.

 

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04 Aug, 2011

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Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2022079/Green-wheels-Motion-sensors-change-traffic-signals-cyclists.html?ITO=1490
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