New research to employ Drones and AI to boost cyclist safety in Boston

Innovative approach to cyclist safety: Researchers from the University of Massachusetts are employing drones and artificial intelligence to study and improve bike lane safety in Somerville, Massachusetts.

• The study, taking place near Porter Square, uses drones to record traffic patterns and interactions between cyclists and vehicles from hundreds of feet above the streets.
• AI software will analyze the video footage to generate data for safety improvement recommendations, including changes to bike lanes, signage, and barriers.
• The research aims to identify effective safety measures and suggest potential driver training programs to enhance cyclist protection.

Context of cycling safety concerns: The study comes in the wake of recent cyclist fatalities in the area, highlighting the urgent need for improved infrastructure and safety measures.

• On September 23, 2024, John Corcoran, 62, was fatally struck while cycling on Memorial Drive in Cambridge, marking the third cyclist death in the city that year.
• Bicycle advocates had been calling for safety improvements in the area where Corcoran was killed for years, underscoring the importance of addressing known hazards.
• The UMass study specifically aims to identify poor designs that may contribute to such tragic incidents, particularly focusing on transitions between protected bike lanes and regular traffic.

Technological approach and privacy considerations: The research team is utilizing advanced drone technology and AI-powered software to collect and analyze data while maintaining privacy standards.

• Five drones from the university’s UMassAir project are being used to record traffic flows, requiring four months of planning and permissions to fly at altitudes up to 400 feet.
• The study employs machine-learning software from Swiss startup MobiLysis, which creates a digital record of everything captured on video, including near-misses between vehicles and cyclists.
• Privacy concerns are addressed by flying drones at altitudes that prevent the identification of individual faces or license plates, ensuring data collection remains anonymous.

Collaborative efforts and global implications: The research draws on international expertise and has potential applications beyond Somerville and the Greater Boston area.

• MobiLysis, the software provider, has already been used worldwide to improve traffic safety and reduce carbon emissions through more efficient traffic flow management.
• The week-long video recordings will be analyzed and converted into digital data suitable for further study using the MobiLysis software.
• While much prior research has been conducted in Europe, where cycling is more prevalent, this study aims to adapt findings to the specific urban contexts of Greater Boston and New England.

Potential outcomes and future directions: The research aims to provide concrete recommendations for improving cyclist safety and encouraging sustainable urban mobility.

• The study will examine potential conflicts and near-misses between bikes and other vehicles to inform infrastructure improvements.
• One common suggestion derived from European research is to reposition bike lanes closer to sidewalks, with parked cars acting as a protective barrier from traffic.
• The ultimate goal is to work towards “Vision Zero,” aiming for zero traffic-related fatalities and creating an environment where more people feel comfortable cycling.

Broader implications for urban planning: This research represents a significant step towards data-driven urban design that prioritizes cyclist safety and sustainable transportation.

• The use of drones and AI for traffic analysis could revolutionize how cities approach infrastructure planning and safety improvements.
• By adapting international best practices to local conditions, the study may provide a model for other U.S. cities looking to enhance their cycling infrastructure.
• The research underscores the growing importance of integrating advanced technologies into urban planning processes to create safer, more sustainable cities.