Tuesday 28 July 2015

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  Researchers at Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) have developed sensors that can detect cyclists on roundabouts and alert drivers to their presence - with the project undergoing a trial in recent weeks - the Telecommunications, Software and Systems Group (TSSG) at WIT has confirmed, and which was first published in The Sunday Times. The sensors use Bluetooth low-energy wireless transmissions, already used for short-range communications utilised by hands-free technology in cars. “We use the technology to identify the position, direction and speed of cyclists on roundabouts, and relay this information to digital signs positioned on roundabouts,” said Steven Davy, researcher at TSSG. “[The system] allows motorists to be quickly informed about approaching cyclists and where they are on the roundabout.” In trials of the technology, standard portable digital signs were used, with warning notices to motorists including messages such as “cyclists approaching from behind”, “cyclist approaching from right”, or “cyclists ahead”, said Davy. In 2014, two cyclists were fatally injured on Irish roundabouts, the majority of which do not have cycle lanes.  Even on those roundabouts where cycle lanes do exist, cyclists are encouraged to leave the road and share a footpath with pedestrians, which increases the risk of accidents between cyclists and pedestrians. The danger to cyclists using roundabouts is confirmed by the Road Safety Authority (RSA). “Crash date shows that the majority of cycling casualties occur in our towns and cities, specifically at junctions and roundabouts,” said Brian Farrell of the RSA. “Drivers need to be aware of the fact that cyclists are just as entitled to road space as they are, and they need to be on the look-out for cyclists at these locations.” The TSSG technology can help make motorists aware of the presence of cyclists and to take appropriate precautions before they enter or leave the roundabout. The first trials of the technology took place at the TSSG Carriganore campus, where sensors successfully identified cyclists approaching from different directions and at various speeds. The researchers hope to roll out the technology around Ireland by next year if they succeed in acquiring funding to back the project. They are also planning to carry out further testing in Dungarvan, Co Waterford. The town was chosen in consultation with Waterford city and county council because it is considered a bicycle -friendly town with many new cycle routes and several roundabouts. It is also part of the Go Dungarvan Smarter Travel Initiative. The researchers want to incorporate the technology into roundabout signage, ensuring motorists are given important safety messages with as little distraction as possible. In the future, messages could be tailored to individual drivers, depending on their location on a roundabout. Davy said that as in-car communications systems become standard, it may be possible to communicate directly with individual drivers, through audio or images on screens built into dashboards. “For now we are focusing on signage, as it can reach a wider number of motorists,” he said.  “However, as in-car communications systems become more prevalent, we can seek to extend the technology.”