How new AI traffic lights could give priority to cyclists over cars | Tech News [Video]

New AI controlled traffic lights that give cyclists priority over cars are being trialled in the UK.

The technology detects bikes up to 30m away from a junction, turning the traffic light green for the cyclist to cross the road and red for oncoming traffic.

This means cyclists have a ‘smoother, uninterrupted’ and therefore safer, journey on their bikes’, says VivaCity, which developed the traffic management system.

The traffic lights have been installed on A34 Stratford Road, near Blyth Valley, Birmingham as a trial, with the AI system only switched on during busy periods.

It’s hoped the project, overseen by Transport for West Midlands and Solihull Council, will cut the chance of collisions and waiting times at crossings. reports MailOnline.

If successful, the system could be introduced in across the West Midlands as part of efforts to reduce vehicle dependency.

Mark Nicholson, the chief executive of VivaCity, told The Times that AI can identify what it sees ‘without any personal information’.

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