Connected Cyclists

The integration of cyclists into a C-ITS ecosystem presents a significant challenge. While equipping cyclists with C-ITS technology is technically feasible due to the miniaturisation of on-board units and the addition of hardware and software via smartphones, the adoption rate is limited. This Task will be devoted to enhancing connectivity by installing variable message signs (VMS) suitable for implementing several use cases and by developing cost-effective options to enable connectivity among cyclists through additional equipment which makes this a hybrid communication approach which will take different available radio communication solutions into account. This means that communication through data transfer and dynamic signage is intended from the start as a complementary approach.

The starting point for selecting use cases will be a critical review of the predominantly car-centred list of C-ITS use cases to date. Existing use cases will be adapted to include cyclists, and new use cases will be specified. The use cases to be implemented will be specifically designed to improve cyclists’ safety (e.g., accident prevention), comfort (e.g., GLOSA, routing), multimodal mobility (e.g., information on transitioning from bike to train), and aid infrastructure planning (e.g., bike counts). The selection of use cases will be based on the interests of stakeholders and the technical as well as regulatory framework conditions.

KPIs: At least two C-ITS use cases will be adapted for connected cyclists and implemented on suitable segments in the test track area for automated and connected vehicles in Hamburg. The implementation will utilize around 5 to 10 variable message signs.