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A ‘smart lighting’ trial is one of a range of measures being introduced by Glasgow City Council for cyclists, according to The Herald.
The ‘smart lighting’ trial will see motion sensors set up to detect an oncoming cyclist, with light brightness increased when the rider approaches. The trial will be made on an off-road section of Glasgow’s cycle routes, which is still to be picked.
The Council is also planning a route finder app where users will be able to pick the quickest, flattest or segregated route – though there are a few of these on the market already. There are plans to create a cycle buddy up network to help build cyclist confidence too.
The measures have been made possible with a £24million cash injection from the Future City initiative fund from the Government’s Technology Strategy Board (TSB). Glasgow beat 30 other UK cities – including Peterborough, Bristol and London – to host the Technology Strategy Board’s ‘Future Cities Demonstrator’.
The idea is that UK businesses will be able to test new solutions in the city and then export them around the globe. At the same time it aims to address some of the city’s most pressing energy and health needs – like developing systems to help tackle fuel poverty and to look at long-standing health issues such as low life expectancy.
Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts said: “With more people than ever before living in our cities, they need to be able to provide people with a better quality of life and a thriving economy. This £24 million investment will make Glasgow a city of tomorrow, demonstrating how cities can work more efficiently with a reduced environmental impact.
“We are in a global race and Glasgow can keep the UK at the forefront of innovative technology ideas. From transport systems to energy use and health, this demonstrator will play a key part in the government’s industrial strategy and give real insight into how our cities can be shaped in the future.”
There’s more here.
