In Karlsruhe, two traffic lights for pedestrians and cyclists are always green. As part of a pilot project initiated by the city, tests are being carried out at two intersections to see how this affects the waiting times of those involved in traffic. In this case, the person who wants to cross the street does not have to request the green. But it is exactly the other way around: the pedestrian traffic light is permanently green and only switches to red when a car approaches. For this purpose, sensors were attached to the traffic light masts, explained Matthias Günzel, head of the road traffic department in the Karlsruhe public order office.
Few cars at these intersections – they have to wait now
According to information from the city and the Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences, which are supporting it scientifically, the project is probably unique in Germany. “As far as we know, this has not yet been tried out in Germany,” said Jan Riel, professor for traffic planning and traffic engineering at the university. The idea itself has been discussed since the 1990s. Similar projects are known from Austria, for example.
At the test intersections, data is recorded on what the pedestrian and cyclist-friendly traffic lights mean for traffic and road safety. For comparison, data had already been collected before the traffic lights were changed. “As expected, the response to the test crossings has been mixed,” explained Günzel. “Pedestrians and cyclists only think it’s good, drivers don’t necessarily.” For the project, intersections were selected that are used by many pedestrians and cyclists and less so by cars.
Main objective: to promote pedestrian and bicycle traffic
“Our hypothesis is that waiting times will not be shorter in all traffic situations,” said Riel. “The idea fits in with the basic attitude of a city that wants to promote pedestrian and bicycle traffic.” If the project proves itself, according to Günzel, further intersections in Karlsruhe could get a permanent green traffic light switch for pedestrians.
The effort has been minimal so far. The sensor that records the cars, as well as the camera, which, according to him, records in compliance with data protection regulations, whether there are pedestrians, cyclists or cars on the intersection, have come from the inventory. It is unclear when the first findings from the project will be available.
(tiw)