Glasgow City Council has installed cycle-activated electronic signage on its roads.

The LED warning signs illuminate a cycle symbol to alert drivers to the presence of cyclists. They are designed to reduce incidents of conflict, particularly where travel routes cross side junctions or building entrances.

Activated by cycle movement, the solar-powered electronic signs have been installed at multiple locations across the city following a successful pilot.

The installation of the signage is a key safety initiative that aims to reduce the likelihood of conflict between road users where location constraints can affect sight lines and heighten the potential for drivers to pull out or turn across the path of cyclists.

Drawing on its experience of using smart sensor technology to detect cycle movement accurately, the council explored the possibility of installing cycle-activated electronic signage to increase safety at specific points on the road network. Part of this development work necessitated securing a dispensation from Transport Scotland to use an electronic variant of the standard “Cycle Route Ahead” sign, making it the first road sign of its type anywhere in the UK.

Given the success of the pilot, which showed a decrease in the percentage of conflicts between drivers and cyclists at the junction of Berkeley Street and Claremont Street, it has installed the illuminated safety signage at multiple locations across the city, with more to follow.

“We want people to think of cycling as accessible, safe and attractive, and as an everyday transport mode and leisure activity,” said councillor Angus Millar, transport and climate convener. “Creating a safer cycling city is a key element of our cycling plan in which we have pledged to improve safety for cyclists by providing better facilities and encouraging mutual respect between all road and path users.”

He described the cycle-activated signage project as “innovative and environmentally-friendly” and that the council sought to prioritise and protect vulnerable road users and prevent collisions.

“Initiatives such as this, which focuses on reducing potential incidents on our road network, benefit all road users and highlight our resolute commitment to making cycling an enjoyable and viable way to get around,” he said.

The initial and subsequent installations of this type of signage is grant funded by Cycling Walking Safer Routes from Transport Scotland, which promotes cycling, walking or road safety projects.