Installation of Cycle-Activated Signage in Glasgow is a UK First

Published: 4th of October, 2022

Glasgow City Council has become the first local authority in the UK to install cycle-activated electronic signage on the road network.

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

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

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The installation of the signage is a key safety initiative that aims to minimise 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 our experience of using smart sensor technology to accurately detect cycle movement, 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, we have installed the illuminated safety signage at multiple locations across the city, with more to follow.

Cllr Angus Millar, Transport and Climate Convener said: "We want people to think of cycling as accessible, safe and attractive, and as an everyday transport mode and leisure activity.  

"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.

"Our cycle-activated signage project is an innovative and environmentally-friendly solution that seeks 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 highlights our resolute commitment to making cycling an enjoyable and viable way to get around."

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. 

The cycle-activated signage initiative was also shortlisted in the 'Most Effective Road Safety, Traffic Management and Enforcement Project' category at this year's Scottish Transport Awards.

The electronic signs are located as follows:

• Hamilton Road - Quarry Entry/Exit (2 signs)
• Hamilton Road at Kenmuir Road (2 signs)
• Victoria Road at Cuthbertson Street (3 signs)
• Pollokshaws Road at Devon Place (1 sign)
• Pollokshaws Road at Cathcart Road (1 sign)
• Barrhead Road at Cowglen Golf Club (2 signs)
• Garscube Road at Corn Street (1 sign)
• Garscube Road at Sawmillfield Street (1 sign)
• Garscube Road at Oakbank Industrial Estate entrance (1 sign)
• Garscube Road at Oakbank Industrial Estate exit (1 sign)
• Berkeley Street at Claremont Street (1 sign)
• Scotland Street - car wash entrance (1 sign)
• Scotland Street - car wash exit (1 sign)
• Scotland Street - car park in/out (2 signs)
• Pollok Avenue at railway bridge (1 site) installation pending
• Pollok Avenue at lodge house (1 site) installation pending

The cycle activated signage project was discussed as part of a wider paper on active travel that was brought before the Environment, Sustainability and Carbon Reduction Committee on 4 October 2022. You can access the full paper by clicking on this link.