KHTS Radio | November 2018
Traveling around Santa Clarita has just gotten easier with the introduction of GiveMeGreen!, a new smartphone app for automated bicycle detection at signalized intersections.
Developed by Sensys Networks Inc., the world’s leading provider of integrated wireless traffic systems, GiveMeGreen! aims to improve commuter safety and convenience in Santa Clarita for both cyclists and drivers.
“This free app will greatly benefit both bicyclists and motorists by providing better information about the presence of bikes at these intersections,” said Cesar Romo, Traffic Signal System Administrator for the City of Santa Clarita. “GiveMeGreen! not only improves safety, but also improves the ride experience for Santa Clarita’s legions of cyclists with automatic and reliable advance detection.”
The pilot program involves three intersections along the Chuck Pontius Commuter Rail bike trail, which runs parallel to Soledad Canyon Road from Camp Plenty Rd. to the Santa Clarita Metro Station.
The GiveMeGreen! app platform integrates existing City traffic infrastructure with third-party signs to streamline travel.
“We are delighted to be working with the City of Santa Clarita on this pilot program,” said Amine Haoui, CEO of Sensys Networks. “GiveMeGreen! is the first of many connected traveler apps to be released by Sensys Networks Inc. in the coming months.”
Whether the City of Santa Clarita plans to integrate these other apps is as of yet unknown. However, GiveMeGreen! is not the first project that Sensys Networks has embarked upon with the City of Santa Clarita. Sensys Networks has previously installed wireless magnetic detection systems to improve traffic along major routes, including Soledad, McBean and Valencia.
“These apps all use the same infrastructure at the intersection, and allow Cities to easily tailor the services they want to provide for bicyclists, pedestrians, truck drivers and many other travelers,” Haoui said. “This Infrastructure to Everything (I2X) system for connected and autonomous travelers will improve safety, decrease congestion and improve the travel experience for many different types of connected traveler.”
GiveMeGreen! allows a bicyclist using the app to be automatically detected up to 300 feet before the intersection. Once detected, the traffic signal applies the normal pedestrian-crossing signal timing function. This allows pedestrians and bicyclists to use the same signal phase without causing delay for motorists, according to officials.
For more information about GiveMeGreen! in Santa Clarita, contact Cesar Romo at cromo@santa-clarita.com or at (661) 286-4002.
