Smart Technology develops a game changing device for cyclists – UK first

A bike bus route in the southside of Glasgow has been made safer thanks to an innovative, bike-mounted, remote-controlled device that holds traffic to let the children cross, in good time.

In what is believed to be a first of its kind in the UK, new, smart technology from a wireless transmitter, developed for Glasgow City Council, sends a signal to hold traffic at an extremely busy junction, allowing the large group of children on bikes and scooters, to cross safely, on their journey to school.

The Ultra-Smart Cycle System, mounted on the Shawlands Bus Bike lead rider’s bike, uses a military-grade encrypted signal that, when pressed on approach to the junction, sets a specially timed traffic light cycle in motion to hold traffic for 45 seconds, enough time to get all of the riders through.

The signal is only accepted by the control unit, mounted on a traffic pole, on a pre-programmed day, during an agreed period – so it is perfect for the once-a-week bike ride that passes through the junction between 8:30am and 9:00am, on Fridays.

The Shawlands Bike Bus collects children from the local area, travelling to school by bike, and escorts them along a prescribed route finishing at Shawlands Primary School, in time for the beginning of the school day.

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