In Denmark, electronic tag gives cyclists traffic priority

Id-Advice's pilot scheme fits RFID tags to bikes, which trigger traffic lights to change in cyclists' favor.

In most cities where cycle lanes are still a rarity, drivers and cyclists often find it difficult to share the road harmoniously. That’s why we’re seeing sonar devices that keep cars at a safe distance, and apps that enable communication between the two parties. Now a pilot scheme created by Denmark-based Id-Advice enables cyclists to gain traffic priority.

Funded by the local government in Aarhus, the scheme sees Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags fitted onto bikes. These tags alert the upcoming set of traffic lights to change in favor of the bikes, allowing cyclists to safely pass through junctions more seamlessly. Many traffic flow systems use magnetic RFID sensors embedded in roads, which requires excavation work for installation, so tagging directly onto bikes provides a low-cost solution to encouraging cycling around the city. The system could also gather data of cycle use in Aarhus, helping to develop more efficient infrastructure.

Currently a voluntary scheme for 200 cyclists operating at a single traffic light junction, the project could be expanded if proven successful. How else can cycling be made a safe transport option?