1,000 Cyclists to Gather Safety Data – Automatically
Melbourne, Victoria
On 7th July 2021, the Victorian Government launched an Australian-first trial, using smart bike light technology that will assist in finding new ways to reduce road trauma in cyclists.
The 12-month trial will see a diverse group of 1,000 Victorians given access to a See.Sense smart bike light, with the technology capturing crucial road safety insights, as well as providing safety benefits in the form of increased visibility.
Sensors in the light will gather data such as crash events, near-miss incidents, abrupt acceleration and deceleration, swerving, road conditions, average speeds, dwell time and rider feedback.
The light operates in tandem with a smartphone app, which transmits data, while additional safety features include a brighter flash in high-risk situations, such as intersections, and when riders brake.
The Transport Accident Commission collaborated with Northern Ireland cycling technology company See.Sense to develop the trial, which will also involve research partners Deakin University and iMOVE, which is an industry-funded applied transport and mobility research centre.
Data from the Light Insights Trial (LIT) will provide fresh insights into how people ride and what can impact their safety. It could also help inform future policy planning and infrastructure improvements for cyclists.
The See.Sense light has been trialled with government authorities in Dublin, London, the Netherlands and Manchester, but the Victorian trial will be the largest of its kind.
The TAC (Transport Accident Commission) has launched its recruitment drive to find 1000 participants for the trial and is also working with Bicycle Network, Auscycling and Amy Gillett Foundation to ensure it captures a truly diverse range of riders.
“Whether you’re in a car, on the footpath or on a bike – every Victorian deserves a safe space on our road and we will continue to find new ways to understand what impacts rider safety to ensure every journey is safe,” said Ben Carroll, Victoria’s Minister for Roads and Road Safety.
“The trial will involve a diverse group of participants, allowing us to understand how many different types of people ride, and what more we can look at doing to better protect riders in Victoria,” said TAC Acting CEO Liz Cairns
Philip McAleese, Co-founder and CEO of See.Sense said, “At See.Sense we are on a mission to see more people cycle, so we are delighted to partner on the LIT project that brings together our patented technology and world-leading researchers to improve cycling safety. “With a founding team that includes an Australian, we’re delighted to launch this innovative project in Australia giving never before seen insights into how people cycle in Victoria.”