Cyclists can drive faster and safer through green lights at the Pythagoraslaan-Archimedeslaan intersection in the Rijnsweerd office park in Utrecht. A bicycle radar recognizes approaching cyclists and measures the number of cyclists and their speed. The radar forwards the information received to the smart traffic light that is located at the intersection, so that the traffic light turns green sooner or stays green longer. It is the first time that a radar has been used for this.

A smart traffic light, also called iVRI, can communicate with vehicles and cyclists by means of an app, internet connection and the so-called 'Talking Traffic Cloud'. Many bicycle couriers already use this technique, so that customers can follow their order live. But the average cyclist in Utrecht does not have a special app to communicate with traffic lights. That is why the radar is used, which in fact simulates that the cyclists are already provided with an internet connection and an app. This way it is possible to test how cyclists can cycle faster and safer.

more and more bicycle radars in the region 

The radar test is a collaboration between Goedopweg and Cycledata, supplier of the bicycle radar, and Monotch, which provides the link with the 'Talking Traffic Cloud'. The Municipality of Utrecht programs the traffic lights. The aim of the test is to learn whether everything works properly technically, whether the bicycle measurements are reliable and what the effects are on waiting times for cyclists and other traffic. If the results are positive, Goedopweg will look at more locations in the region to place the bicycle radar, for example the Biltstraat.

There are now 40 smart traffic lights (iVRIs) in various places in the Utrecht region, for example on the N201. Two tests recently took place here. Trucks received green light earlier and longer, resulting in CO2emissions and noise pollution. It also saved time for the trucks themselves. And road inspectors could request priority from smart traffic lights via the Be-Mobile app WISMeister on their service telephone. This made them quicker to provide assistance in the event of an emergency, making the road clear and safe again after an accident.

Goedopweg will also run tests with iVRIs in 2021 from the 'Smart Mobility Talking Traffic' program. Sixty more smart traffic lights will be added, all of which should lead to a better traffic flow and live travel advice for travelers.

well on your way 

Goedopweg is building an accessible and liveable region of Utrecht, despite the growth in the coming years. We achieve this by stimulating less travel, traveling at different times and traveling with other means of transport. In Goedopweg there is cooperation between the municipalities of Utrecht and Amersfoort, the province of Utrecht, Rijkswaterstaat Central Netherlands and the Ministry of Infrastructure & Water Management.

Also read: Those who want to refuel cheaply should go to Sneek or Hoogeveen

Pythagoras Avenue Utrecht
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