Cycling children get power to keep Glasgow's traffic lights on red
New technology rolled out at Shawlands Cross
Last updated 2nd Sep 2022
Children on a pedal-powered school run in Glasgow are being given control over the traffic lights at one of the city’s most notorious junctions.
Up to 60 children regularly take part in the ‘Shawlands Bike Bus’ where they are collected by an escort and ride together in one group on a set route finishing at Shawlands Primary School.
However, the large group often has difficulty getting across the busy junction at Shawlands Cross, according to Bike Bus organiser Gareth Johnson.
“Under the current system, we only get about 11 to 12 seconds to get through that junction,” he says, “We're somewhere in between 50 and 60 riders at the moment, every week, and a lot of those are five-year-olds and they can't get through the junction in 10 or 12 seconds”
Military grade technology
In what is believed to be a first of its kind in the UK a new technology from a wireless transmitter which has been developed for Glasgow City Council, sends a signal to keep the traffic lights on red for longer.
The Ultra-Smart Cycle System, mounted on the leader’s bike, uses a military-grade encrypted signal that sets a specially timed traffic light cycle in motion to hold traffic for 45 seconds.
The system only works on Fridays during the school term between 8:30am and 9:00am.
Police support
The council’s Road Safety Unit provides hi-viz vests, cycle helmet cameras and banners along the bike bus route to inform drivers of the event every Friday event and Police Scotland lend their support by riding with the children.
Councillor Angus Millar, the city’s climate convenor, said: “We are always looking for new and innovative ways to provide safe, active travel routes for everyone and I am delighted that council colleagues were able to offer a solution to this problem in a very short space of time, during the school break.
“Making cycling a safe, easy and attractive option for people and especially young people is at the heart of our efforts to promote sustainable transport.”