In the years to come urban areas in the EU face the challenge of making transport sustainable in terms of environment and competitiveness. Cycling is the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly mode of transport. SAFECYCLE looks at how ITS / ICT can help making cycling safer through the use of e-safety applications.

1. SAFECYCLE
E-safety applications for safe cycling in Europe
WOCREF 14th September 2012
Angela van der Kloof

2. Overview
• Project information
• E-safety applications
• SWOT analyses
• Impact Assessment & Recommendations
• Dissemination
• Discussion

3. Project information
• June 2011 - November 2012
• Co-funded by European Commission – DG MOVE
• Partners
• Mobycon (the Netherlands)
• University of Hasselt (Belgium)
• CTL / University van Rome (Italy)
• CDV (Czech Republic)

4. Fields of expertise
Cycling ITS
SAFECYCLE
project
Road Safety

5. Objectives

6. E-safety applications
1. For cyclists
2. On the bicycle
3. On other vehicles
4. In the infrastructure
5. Internet (and mobile)
6. Cooperative systems

7. Example 1 – Virtual bike lane
• Virtual bike lane is projected by
the bicycle, thus creating
his/her own virtual bike lane.
• Increase in visibility of the
cyclist and creates more space
around the cyclist when
overtaken by a motorized
vehicle (safety zone).

8. Example 2 – Intelligent Speed Adaptation
• Adapting the speed of
individual cars, based on
their position on the road
network. E.g. in residential
areas and around schools.
The system can be day and
time dependent.
• Lower speed: less chance on
a collision & reduced impact

9. Example 3 – Count down traffic light
• LED Countdown meter
reminds cyclists of the
waiting time. (can be
combined with rain sensor - if
it is raining, the cycle of the
traffic lights is shortened and
cyclists get faster green).
• Prevention of red light
offences.

10. Example 4 Hindsight
• A rear camera records the
movements around the
bicycle and the images are
shown on a display on the
steer.
• It allows cyclists to focus on
the road and avoid instability.
• Decrease of blind spot of the
bicycle; better idea of what is
going on behind the bicycle,
more anticipation; more
stability.

11. Example 5: Lexguard
• Detection strips on the truck to warn for objects
around the truck combined with warning signs inside
the truck.
• Reduced chance on collisions,
especially in blind spot.

12. Example 6 Routeplanner Gent
• Routeplanner allowing
planning a safe cycle route,
avoiding (perceived)
dangerous situations for
cyclists.
• Safer route choice.
• Less chance to get involved in
situations that are dangerous
for cyclists.

13. Inventarisation of applications
121 e-safety applications
Safety potential by category

14. Inventarisation of applications
Varying from idea to existing product
30
25
20
idea
15 development
existing?
10
existing
5
0
cyclist bicycle other vehicle infrastructure internet nomadic

15. SWOT analysis results
• Cyclist:
• None
• Bicycle:
• Light lane bicycle, Hindsight, Bicycle braking light
• Other vehicle:
• Individual speed adaptation, Lexguard/Frontzicht, SaveCap
• Infrastructure:
• Countdown traffic light/rain sensor, Traffic Eye Zurich, LED marking
• Internet:
• Route planner, Citizens Connect/Bikewise

16. Impact assessment
• Estimate the possible safety effects of each application in
the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy and Czech Republic.
• Estimate the possible costs for users and authorities
• Identify and describe need for further development
And:
• Recommendations for harmonization or standardisation

17. Dissemination
www.safecycle.eu
a.vanderkloof@mobycon.nl

18. Final workshop
• 25th October, Vienna
• Parallel with ITS World Congress
– Project results
– Discussions about the future of ITS and cycling
– Cycling tour

19. Discussion on effects for safety
• What do you think are the possible effects of
the applications for bicycle safety?
• Do you expect any differences in effect
between the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy and
Czech