Intersector traffic light smart enough to detect incoming bicycles

Most traffic lights are dumb – they just come with a built-in timer and ensure that no accidents happen, paving the way for smooth traffic (according to the best of its ability, any way). Well, here is a “smart” traffic light known as the Intersector, where it is capable of detecting incoming bicycles at a crossroads, changing the light times to make it safer for cyclists – and helping impatient drivers get to their destination faster. Makes sense, considering how cars generally move far faster than bicycles, which places cyclists in jeopardy whenever the traffic lights decide to turn green – or red.

In order to ensure the risk of an accident is minimized, a bunch of cities in California such as Pleasanton, Redding, and Monterey, will be installing the Intersector on a trial basis. This smart traffic signal is capable of telling the difference between bicycles and cars, calculating the times when the traffic light will change, and making the necessary adjustments so that Murphy has no chance to rear his ugly head. For example, should a cyclist pedal through a light that’s already green when they arrive, the Intersector will add on another five more seconds. Should there be no cars on the way, the green light length is shortened, so that you have a precious few more seconds of your life to spend elsewhere later on. The Intersector will cost anywhere from $4,000 to $5,000, making it a rather expensive device to implement across the country.

Edwin Kee
Categories: Transportation