London piloting pedestrian, cyclist detection software on buses

Transport for London (TfL) confirmed trials of detection software to enhance bus driver awareness of pedestrians and cyclists will start later this month as part of a continued drive to improve road safety in the capital.

The technology directly alerts bus drivers when pedestrians and cyclists are moving close to their vehicles, helping to reduce collisions.

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TfL is trialing two systems “CycleEye” from Fusion Processing Ltd. and “Cycle Safety Shield” from Safety Shield Systems Ltd.

CycleEye is advanced cyclist detection technology which uses both radar and optical technology to detect cyclists in close proximity to vehicles and the system audibly alerts the bus driver to their presence.

Cycle Safety Shield is able to detect pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists in close proximity to vehicles, giving a visual warning and then an audible alert to the driver.

The bus routes, which run between Oxford Street and Ilford via Mile End (route 25) and Victoria to Stoke Newington via Oxford Circus and Kings Cross (Route 73), have been specifically chosen for the trial because of the high number of pedestrians and cyclists that use these bus routes.

A report detailing the findings of the trial and suggested next steps will be available later this year.