The first London buses to trial cycle detection hardware will go into service later this month on two pedestrian and cyclist-heavy routes.
Transport for London’s (TfL) experiment, scheduled to last for six weeks, will see four buses split onto two routes, running between Oxford Street and Ilford and from Victoria to Kings Cross via Oxford Circus and Stoke Newington.
Isabel Dedring, Deputy Mayor for Transport, said, “This is another great example of London leading the way by using the latest innovative technology to further improve safety for every road user. We’ve seen real improvements in reducing the number of accidents on our streets involving buses and if this trial proves successful we’ll roll it out further across London’s fleet.
The trial will see two technologies tested, with TfL choosing CycleEye from Fusion Processing and Cycle Safety Shield from Safety Shield Systems.
CycleEye provides the driver with an audible warning when a pedestrian or cyclist gets too close to the vehicle by using both radar and optical technology, while Cycle Safety Shield provides the driver with a visual display and audible sound that informs the driver when cyclists or pedestrians are in close proximity.
TfL’s Managing Director for Surface Transport, Leon Daniels, said, “We are all pedestrians, and the number of people cycling in London is increasing, therefore it is vital that we continue to make London’s streets as safe as possible.
“This forthcoming trial of innovative detection technology on London Buses will build on the positive trends we’ve seen in reducing serious injuries and demonstrates our commitment to making London’s streets safe for all.”
The trial comes as London buses undergo a number of changes and advances, with more than 1,000 older buses being retrofitted with selective catalyst reduction devices.
Four zero emission, fully electric buses have started operating on route H98, and testing is underway into Intelligent Speed Adaptation, in an attempt to understand and to regulate speed of buses across London.
