VeloFlow: Berlin tests bicycle traffic lights with accessibility forecast

This system is intended to reduce frustration among cyclists at traffic lights in Berlin as well as potential red light violations: The capital's Senate Traffic Department has announced that it will be testing a solution called VeloFlow at an initial 23 traffic lights from September. These are digital displays, for example under no-parking signs, which inform cyclists around 200 meters before a junction whether they will reach the next traffic light on green or red at a speed of around 20 kilometers per hour.

LED displays on road signs

According to the Senate, the way VeloFlow works is relatively simple: a bicycle symbol on the display indicates whether the traffic light phase will be green or red at a constant speed. If the stylized bicycle is in the green zone, passing cyclists can assume that they will be able to pass through the traffic lights at a clear speed. If the symbol is in the red zone, this indicates an imminent red phase. This should enable cyclists to adjust their speed in advance – either by accelerating slightly or coasting slowly. This should make it easier to avoid abrupt braking or passing traffic lights on red.

According to official information, VeloFlow is based on the Green Light Optimal Speed Advisory (Glosa) assistance system. This requires real-time information about the traffic light phases. So-called Roadside Units (RSUs) directly at the traffic lights record the current relevant data and create forecasts for the next switching operations. This information can be sent wirelessly via various channels to displays, vehicles or user devices, for example. In Berlin, the Glosa delay assistant is to be used on this basis. Similar displays are already in use in Münster.

"Green wave" assistant also feasible in principle

The technology could also be used to implement a "green wave" assistant, as has been available to app users in Marburg for years. However, there is currently no talk of this in the capital. However, the Senate describes the RSUs as "strategically important interfaces" for the future digital traffic infrastructure. They could communicate with intelligent vehicles to transmit traffic light phases, traffic conditions and hazards. This would form the basis for cooperative and autonomous driving systems. Traffic flow, safety and efficiency would be further optimized.

According to the plan, ten VeloFlow displays will be installed on Invalidenstraße in Mitte and nine in the Stargarder Straße, Schönhauser and Prenzlauer Allee areas. Two each are planned for Handjerystraße, Prinzregentenstraße, Langenscheidtstraße and Kreuzbergstraße. One display costs just under 3000 euros, the traffic administration explained to rbb. In addition, there would be costs for the power supply, the digitalization of the traffic lights and further planning. 85 percent of the costs will be covered by the Federal Ministry of Transport.

(vbr)