Smart stud lights are alerting drivers to oncoming bicycle and scooter riders in three inner-Melbourne locations. The bicycle activated lights are across busy driveways and side roads, and flash to alert drivers to the presence of approaching riders.
In the period 2014 to 2019, VicRoads Crashstats identified 17 injury and non-injury crashes involving bicycle riders, on just one of the sections of road where the lights have been added. TAC data shows that the cost to Victoria in the period from 2006 to 2017 was an average of $29 million per annum.
Vivacity Chief Executive Gary Commane said, “I’d never seen such conflict than at one of the locations, where drivers were crossing or stopping on the downhill bike lane, in the path of riders. Bicycle and scooter riders were braking hard or having to swerve around the cars. There were frequent angry exchanges between riders and drivers.”
Vivacity bicycle and scooter activated lights detect riders in the lane. The lights then flash across the side road or driveway to alert drivers to the presence of the oncoming riders. A “watch for riders” sign also flashes and there’s an OmniGrip CST green skid-resistance surface that also draw attention to the lane and assists riders and drivers with quickly stopping.
“Drivers are often looking at the people on the crowded footpaths, other motor vehicles and trams, and can’t see or don’t look for bicycle riders and scooter riders in the bike lane. The new lights give a visual warning along the lane, across the path of the driver, that helps draw their attention to the likely presence of a rider.”
The lights have been installed along Latrobe Street’s separated bicycle lane, at the entrance to Melbourne Central’s car park and at the Park Street intersection opposite Flagstaff Gardens. Another is at the intersection of Queensberry Street and Berkeley Street in North Melbourne.
Contact Gary at 1300 961 678 or gary.commane@smarterlite.com for more information about Vivacity smart stud lights for rider, driver and pedestrian safety projects.