Skip to main content

Safer mid-block crossings

Applied Information has launched a configurable Internet of Things (IoT) pedestrian crossing system which is says improves safety at midblock crosswalks.
August 26, 2020 Read time: 2 mins
Multiple configurations offer wide range of pedestrian safety options

The base configuration features a pedestrian crossing sign with push-button activated flasher, IoT connectivity, knockdown detector, Glance remote monitoring and connection to the TravelSafely smartphone app.Additional features include a configurable message sign and radar-based driver feedback. Multiple units can be connected wirelessly for boulevard and traffic circle deployment. All options may be solar powered.

“Crosswalks should be a safe place for pedestrians, yet more than 500 people are killed each year using them in the US,” said Peter Ashley, vice president of business development for Applied Information, based in the US state of Georgia. “Using a combination of technologies, the crossing creates an active safety zone that engages the pedestrians and drivers to be more alert.”

When the crossing is activated, alerts of approaching motorists are sent to the free TravelSafely smartphone app notifying drivers that pedestrians are in the crosswalk ahead. The crossing’s radar detects if a vehicle is approaching the crosswalk at an unsafe speed and provides an audible warning to pedestrians using the TravelSafely app.

The system also uses over-the-air software updates for uploading multiple flashing lights patterns and configuring the digital message sign.

Applied Information’s pedestrian crossing safety system is part of the Glance Smart City Supervisory System suite of products. These can be monitored and managed from a tablet or smartphone, receive over the air software updates with customisable flashing patterns and report device performance measures.

Applied Information’s Glance Smart City Supervisory platform enables cities to manage all of their traffic and ITS assets on one web-based application. Key product areas are smart traffic signals, school zone flashing beacons, emergency vehicle preemption, transit and freight priority and ITS systems. The company’s free TravelSafely smartphone app connects drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to the transportation infrastructure for a safer mobility experience. The app is available from the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Related Content

  • Fast installation signaling from John Thomas
    January 6, 2015
    John Thomas is introducing its PortaPole rapid response signal system, which forms part of the company’s proven ADDCO PTS-2000 range. Unlike traditional portable traffic signals designed for use in work zones, the PortaPole is designed specifically for use by municipalities during knockdowns, signal outages, emergencies and traffic reconfiguration for special events or construction projects.
  • Traffic Detector from Bosch
    February 4, 2022
    The new Traffic Detector software from Bosch Security is designed primarily for applications such as intersection monitoring and automatic incident detection.
  • Caterpillar develops advances telematics technology to track machine performance
    February 24, 2017
    Caterpillar is launching new Cat Connect hardware and software to enable equipment managers to connect all of their assets—from the largest earthmover to the smallest generator, and including both light and heavy-duty trucks and utility vehicles. New Cat Product Link technologies connect any brand and type of equipment, powered or non-powered, and all report through a single system, VisionLink. The new technologies are said to offer multiple communications channels—cellular, satellite and Bluetooth—to b
  • Colourful crosswalks are promoting safer crossings
    August 14, 2017
    Safety remains paramount but crosswalks can also be colourful and fun. The increasing popularity of colourful crosswalks is exercising the creativity of municipalities around Europe. An example is the use of DecoMark preformed thermoplastic markings in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The art collective Opperclaes, working with urbanism agency Street Makers, designed an artwork-style crosswalk on the Westblaak area of Rotterdam. The Westblaak is a busy street in the city centre and connects Churchill Square with the