Buses Get Tech Savvy with Cyclist Safety Equipment and Free Wifi

First York has announced a boost for the new University bus services which start this August with the introduction of cyclist safety equipment and free wifi.

The news follows the announcement of that First has won the five year contract to operate the University of York bus services including the “yourbus” 66 which will run from 2 August between York Railway Station, the city centre, the University and York Sport Village via Lakeside Way.

As part of the new service, First York has committed to running a premium “yourbus 66” service with low emission Euro4 and Euro5 hybrids equipped with Wi-Fi and operating Cycle Alert technology on all its services.

The Cycle Alert technology establishes communications that utilise cyclist-specific proximity alerts in order to notify the driver of a cyclist in the bus’ ‘danger zone’.  By warning the driver of the cyclist’s presence the necessary actions to avoid potential contact can be made.

Cycle Alert has already attracted widespread coverage as a new addition to the cycle safety mix, which relies on both cyclist and HGV to participate in the responsibility of improved visibility, most recently with its finalist nomination for this year’s Motor Transport Awards 2015.

Cycle Alert forms a piece of cyclist safety equipment that requires collaboration between both cyclist and driver.  The cyclist affixes a tag to their cycle or helmet, and this communicates with a vehicle unit inside the driver’s cab, facilitating a direct alert from the cyclist to the driver.

Peter Le Masurier, Cycle Alert founder says, “Technology can play a pivotal role in reducing blind spots and protecting vulnerable road users, which is why we have developed Cycle Alert, the first technology of its kind to be implemented onto buses and heavy goods vehicles for the sole purpose of identifying cyclists in vehicle blind spots.”

“Cycle Alert opens the door to mutual respect on our roads.”

The new technology demonstrates First York’s commitment to protecting cyclists from harm. First York’s Stuart Fillingham said, “The Cycle Alert system, a standard retrofit in our “yourbus 66” services, can detect and warn the driver to avoid collisions with cyclists.  By exploring this safety technology we are closing the gap to eliminate the remaining blind spots on buses and by that, avoid collisions and protect road-users.”

He added, “With the number of people cycling in York rising, it’s important we continue to make our services as safe as possible.”

To support the launch, First York drivers swapped their buses for cycles - provided by Cycle Heaven who also use Cycle Alert tags on their hire cycles - in a team led ride through the City Centre to gain a cyclist’s perspective and support the partnership’s vision of mutual respect on the roads.  Having experienced using both sides - cycle tag and vehicle kit - of the cyclist safety equipment, the drivers are overwhelmingly positive and hope that the technology will be equally embraced by students.  

The University of York’s Travel and Transport Manager, Fiona Macey, said: “The University is committed to promoting  sustainable modes of travel and Cycle Alert will be a huge benefit both to our cyclists and to the York community at large.”

According to Rospa, around 19000 cyclists were killed or injured in the UK last year.