Andrew Jones

www.highwaysmagazine.co.uk OCTOBER 2015 TRAFFIC CALMING 39
Improving the safety of cyclists
New state-of-the-art traffic lights that have been specifically designed for cyclists and use
video and thermal imaging detectors to distinguish between cyclists and other vehicles
have been switched on in Liverpool. Editor Alec Peachey spoke to Amey’s principal project
manager – consulting and strategic infrastructure – James Leeming, about the scheme
Cyclists are given a five second
head start over other vehicles at
two of the city’s busiest junctions.
The system works by displaying a
green cycle light for five seconds
before the full green traffic signal.
According to Leeming, this gives
cyclists increased viability and
helps ensure they are seen by other
road users.
He said: “Cyclists are detected using
the latest thermal imaging detectors
(ThermiCams). These detectors can tell
the difference between cyclists and
other vehicles by the heat footprint
they give off. One of the benefits of
being able to automatically detect
cyclists is that the advance cycle lights
are not used when there are no cyclists,
therefore avoiding delays to other
road users.”
The scheme was designed, constructed
and project managed by Amey on
behalf of the City Council and used
local Speke based sub-contractor, King
Construction for the groundworks.
The system went live on 17 June 2015,
with Liverpool City Council’s cabinet
member for transport, councillor
Malcolm Kennedy being one of the first
cyclists to pass through the new lights.
It has led to improvements with both
road safety and traffic calming.
“The five second head start the system
provides, allows the cyclist to become
established and very visible in the
junction before other vehicles move
off. It puts them ahead of and visible
to vehicles turning left, reducing their
vulnerability and the potential conflict
with left turning traffic – increasing the
safety of the cyclist,” adds Leeming.
“Increasing the visibility of cyclists at
these busy junctions will help motorists
and other road users adapt their
driving accordingly.”
So far reaction from the general public
has been good and there are plans to
use the system in other parts of the city.
A green cycle light gives cyclists a five
second head start over other vehicles
“Reaction on social media from local
cycle groups has been very positive,
with the National Cycling Charity
(CTC) supporting the introduction of
these new lights in Liverpool,” notes
Leeming. “We have identified and
approved an additional location which
would benefit from this technology and
expect installation to take place in early
2016. We are also considering specific
cycle routes, new traffic signals and
light upgrade projects on a case-bycase
basis.”