Chicago, IL responds to road safety concerns with Smart Streets and Smart Loading Zone pilots
The Smart Streets Pilot Ordinance was approved in the wake of a 50% increase in traffic fatalities over a two-year period. The Smart Streets Pilot will use smart cameras on Chicago Transit Authority vehicles and light posts when issuing citations for parking in bus lanes or unsafe driving. Citations are sent by mail to registered owners after a 30-day warning window. The Smart Loading Zone Pilot supports virtual payments and zone management, thus reducing double-parking incidents.
Chicago, IL
United States
New York, NY introduces Charge Safe, Ride Safe plan for improved micro-mobility battery safety
City officials published the plan in response to device fires caused by unregulated lithium-ion batteries. A proposed safe equipment access plan swaps unsafe batteries for new batteries in personal devices through buybacks or rebates. The 2023 DOT Studio Challenge will encourage pilots of charging technologies for food delivery workers and residential use. Charge Safe, Ride Safe also calls for public education on micro-mobility safety and targeted enforcement of fire code violations.
New York, NY
United States
Alexandria, VA evaluates impacts of slow zones on shared micro-mobility during Old Town pilot
Alexandria established a permanent micro-mobility program with annual permitting for e-bike and e-scooter operators. The three-month pilot sets an 8 MPH speed limit for shared vehicles in Old Town instead of the existing 15 MPH limit. GPS data will be used to limit vehicle speeds when they enter heavily used areas like Point Lumley Park and the waterfront. City officials will gather user feedback for discussions of slow zone expansion into other neighborhoods.
Alexandria, VA
United States
Kingston upon Hull City Council, GB pilots Sm@rt Technology traffic accessibility products
The Smart Cross touchless activation system was installed at two high-traffic intersections. Pedestrians move their hands under the devices for walk signals, which supports safe use by residents with disabilities. The one-month pilot also evaluates Smart Bus technology at a pair of bus stops. Bus riders download the Smart Bus app and scan a QR code at each stop for real-time route information. The app supports audio announcements of the stop's next three arrivals.
Kingston upon Hull City Council, GB
United Kingdom
Louisville, KY Community Crosswalks Pilot combines road safety with promotion of local artists
City officials introduced the program based on research showing that high-visibility intersections reduce pedestrian-involved crashes. Local artists submit their designs for colorful crosswalks at four high-traffic intersections in downtown Louisville. Qualifying projects fit within crosswalk dimensions, avoid words or logos, and utilize city-approved materials. The city will pay $8,000 per project in two installments to cover labor and materials.
Louisville, KY
United States
Barcelona, CT seeks new solutions to motorcycle safety issues with innovation challenge
Motorcycles and mopeds represent 33% of local traffic but their operators represent 86% of serious accident victims. This first challenge from the Barcelona Innova Lab seeks technological and behavioral approaches to accident reduction. Applicants must demonstrate how they can turn their ideas into real-world solutions during an 18-month implementation period. Selected projects share the €200,000 funding pool and evaluate their solutions during six-month pilots on local streets.
Barcelona, CT
Spain
Oakland, CA works with Populus on smart loading zone program for commercial deliveries
Commercial fleet operators apply for Smart Loading Zone permits through Populus. The permit process requires registration and location data sharing for all vehicles operating in Oakland. Registered delivery vehicles can park in paid parking zones within city limits thanks to automated payments. Operators pay $3 per vehicle each year and $0.03 per minute of parking. Smart Loading Zone permits minimize traffic impacts from increased delivery volumes.
Oakland, CA
United States
New York, NY Intelligent Speed Assistance pilot ensures city fleet compliance with speed limits
City officials built on fleet driver training, phone use bans, and real-time vehicle tracking with ISA technology. Fifty fleet vehicles from seven city departments were outfitted with ISA systems for the six-month pilot. ISA units automatically lowered vehicle speed when drivers exceeded the local speed limit. A passive mode alerted the driver when they exceeded applicable speed limits. This technology adapted to speed limits based on location rather than using a uniform limit.
New York, NY
United States
Cincinnati, OH develops dedicated in-house team for pedestrian safety projects
Local officials sought a cost-effective and responsive approach to hundreds of pedestrian accidents per year. A five-member public works team will install temporary bump-outs, speed bumps, and signage in areas with ongoing safety concerns. This approach reserves outside contracting for specialized tasks, thus cutting down on turnaround times for other projects. Cincinnati anticipates annual savings of up to $300,000 and significant improvements to pedestrian safety.
Cincinnati, OH
United States
Cardinia, VIC protects human and wildlife health near busy intersections with LED lighting pilot
Cardinia installed three 3000k light fixtures at busy intersections on McGregor Road and Soldiers Road. Amber-colored bulbs produce warm lighting that has fewer impacts on drivers and nearby animal habitats. The fixtures are more directly aimed at intersections than existing streetlights, thus minimizing wildlife exposure to artificial light. Shire officials approved this pilot based on research showing the negative impacts of cool-white lighting on human sleep and wildlife feeding patterns.
Cardinia, VIC
Australia
Hampshire County Council, GB trials non-crete bollards for eco-friendly traffic management
The UK-first pilot replaces concrete bollards with bollards made with bio-polymers derived from sugar cane. The non-crete bollards are easier to install due to their lightweight construction and strong enough to withstand high-speed vehicle impacts. Replacing concrete with sugar cane captures carbon during cultivation and reduces production emissions. Hampshire County Council hopes that the pilot advances its 2050 carbon-neutral goal while modeling small steps toward climate resilience.
Hampshire County Council, GB
United Kingdom
Boulder, CO tracks traffic incidents throughout the city with its Crash Data Dashboard
The interactive dashboard maps every traffic crash reported to local police since 2017. Users find current-year data on total crashes and fatalities when first opening the dashboard. Visualizations of historical crash severity and types present trends in traffic safety. Pinpoints on the Crash Data Dashboard map open to details including location, weather conditions, and time of day. Boulder will use the dashboard for future safety improvements to its Core Arterial Network.
Boulder, CO
United States