Skip to main content

GTT aids cyclist safety in Minneapolis

In a bid to improve conditions for cyclists in Minneapolis, Global Traffic Technologies (GTT) using existing infrastructure and its Canoga 9004 system to detect and react to bikes at intersections. The traffic detection system is now able to recognise both vehicle and bicycles and the Canoga card reacts quickly enough to give cyclists a green light without needing to slow down or wait at the intersection or navigate a red light. Previously, only vehicles would trigger green traffic signals at intersectio
July 14, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
In a bid to improve conditions for cyclists in Minneapolis, 542 Global Traffic Technologies (GTT) using existing infrastructure and its Canoga 9004 system to detect and react to bikes at intersections. The traffic detection system is now able to recognise both vehicle and bicycles and the Canoga card reacts quickly enough to give cyclists a green light without needing to slow down or wait at the intersection or navigate a red light.

Previously, only vehicles would trigger green traffic signals at intersections, which meant that a cyclist halt at an intersection undetected, waiting for a car to approach to activate the signal.

Where possible, the city wanted to implement bicycle detection at key signalised intersections, without investing in expensive detection technologies and leveraging the existing infrastructure, avoiding cutting new loops or mounting new pole-based detection technologies.

Using the existing advanced detector loops and the Canoga 9004 traffic sensing technology in the traffic cabinet, the traffic department was able to detect and classify bicycles with enough time to trigger the intersection green lights before the cyclist has arrived. This information is also calculated, recorded and stored for subsequent data retrieval through an Ethernet-enabled connection.
UTC

Related Content

  • March 14, 2012
    Bridging the highway travel information gap
    A new traffic management solution is attempting to bridge the gap in information available on freeways and arterial roadways. Andrew Bardin Williams reports. Agencies responsible for national networks of roads around the world have the ability to measure, analyse and disseminate accurate travel information to drivers. Millions of dollars go into data collection infrastructure to collect traffic congestion and travel time information on major freeways or highways. For example, a driver on the I-210 in the Lo
  • June 5, 2015
    TfL trials cyclist detection
    New world first trials would allow TfL to better cater for cyclists at key junctions Further on-street trials will take place later this year TfL now given blanket approval from DfT to install low-level cycle signals at junctions Transport for London (TfL) is to trial a new technology that will help give cyclists more time on green lights.
  • September 29, 2016
    Arizona city opts for GTT emergency vehicle pre-emption
    The city of Kingman, Arizona, has awarded a contract to Global Traffic Technologies (GTT) for the implementation of its Opticom GPS pre-emption solution, which works alongside intersection controllers to ensure emergency vehicles can move through intersections rapidly and safely. The Opticom solution includes a GPS component for location and wireless communications between authorised vehicles and the intersections they approach. When an emergency vehicle needs to navigate an intersection quickly and safe
  • January 19, 2023
    ITS green light for two wheels
    Cycling is increasingly promoted as a healthy and sustainable mode of transport. So, ask Ronald Jorna and Robin Kleine of Mobycon, what role should ITS play in stimulating active travel?