REPORT TO BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
SUBJECT
Title
Bicycle Detection at Traffic Signals (Chan)
Report
BACKGROUND
In August 2023, Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) Member Megas requested BPAC discuss Bicycle Detection at Traffic Signals (Attachment 1).
DISCUSSION
AB 1581, passed in 2007, requires all new and replaced traffic signals to detect bicycle or motorcycle traffic in California. All new or modified traffic signals constructed in the City since 2007 have sensors to detect bicycles or motorcycles at the top bar of the intersection per the Caltrans guidance document. The City primarily uses quadrupole in-pavement loop sensors (Attachment 2) to meet bicycle and motorcycle detection requirements on approach lanes to the intersection. The City is transitioning to video detection systems in future traffic signal projects. Video detection has more robust traffic data collection capability and a greater ability to detect a bicycle or motorcycle within a travel lane. Video detection cameras in the City are not used to monitor or record traffic. For traffic monitoring, a separate Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) camera is used.
The quadrupole in-pavement loop detection area is most sensitive in the middle of the travel lane and becomes less effective towards the boundaries of the lane. To activate the sensor, a bicycle should be positioned over the loop sawcut on the pavement. In the absence of a loop saw cut on the pavement, a bicycle should be placed approximately one foot behind the stop bar in the center of the lane to activate the sensor. Bicycle stencils to indicate the detection areas are also marked on the signalized intersection right-most left turn lane and through lane at new or replacement traffic signal installations. If a problem occurs, traffic sensor and timing issues can be reported through the MySantaClara app, by phone at 408-615-3000, or by email at Engineering@SantaClaraCA.gov.
Staff
Written by: Steve Chan, Tr...
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