The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) has launched a recruitment drive for cyclists to participate in an Australian-first trial of smart bike light technology.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Ben Carroll said the trial would help the TAC to find new ways to reduce road trauma in cyclists.
“Cyclists are among our most vulnerable road users because they don’t have the same protection as people in vehicles and are exposed to greater risk of death or injury when the unexpected happens,” Mr Carroll said.
“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,” he said.
“The technology will gather data such as crash events, near-miss incidents, abrupt acceleration and deceleration, swerving, road conditions, average speeds, dwell time and rider feedback.”
Mr Carroll said the light operated in tandem with a smartphone app, which transmitted data, and had additional safety features including a brighter flash in high-risk situations, such as intersections and when riders used their brake.
“Data from the Light Insights Trial (LIT) will provide fresh insights into how people ride and what can impact their safety,” he said.
“It could also help inform future policy planning and infrastructure improvements for cyclists.”
The Minister said the TAC collaborated with See.Sense, a Northern Ireland cycling technology company, to develop the trial which would involve research partners Deakin University and iMOVE CRC.
Mr Carroll said the smart light had been trialled with Government authorities in Dublin, London, the Netherlands and Manchester, but the Victorian trial would be the largest of its kind.
