Cycling platoon recognition and priority

More and more Dutch cities give cyclists priority over cars at traffic lights.  This is, among other things, thanks to innovative technologies that recognise and prioritise platoons of cyclists. This technology not only makes cycling more attractive, but it also increases road safety and contributes to a less polluted environment.

Implementing cycling platoon recognition has proven to be a great success in Amersfoort, Helmond, Deventer, and Apeldoorn. “The choice for cycling priority is a conscious policy choice to make mobility safer and more sustainable,” says Arjan Bezemer, independent consultant for the Central Netherlands region.

Using smart cameras and advanced AI technology, traffic lights detect groups of cyclists and automatically give them priority. This system, which can work without cyclists having to take action themselves, uses the Urban Data Access Platform (UDAP) infrastructure, where data is exchanged between road users and intelligent traffic lights. “We see that cyclists can now move through the city faster and safer while the impact on other traffic is minimal,” says Leon van Nie, traffic light manager in Deventer. Municipalities report a significant reduction in waiting times for cyclists and an increase in the number of people choosing bicycles as a means of transport, leading to less traffic congestion and lower CO2 emissions.

Monotch has actively contributed to the launch of bicycle priority in various Dutch cities by effectively facilitating this use case in combination with UDAP. The municipality of Utrecht was the first to implement the use case, followed by Amersfoort, Helmond, Den Bosch, Breda, Deventer and Apeldoorn. These cities have programs that prioritise cyclists when approaching an intersection as a group, allowing them to continue cycling faster and safer.