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Specific cycle detection at signalised intersections is required when the following criteria are met:
- an intersection movement used by people on bikes is called on demand only (this movement may commence from a general traffic lane, or from a facility for the specific use by people on bikes), or
- at wide intersections, an all-red phase extension is required for cyclists to safely finish crossing the intersection.
Cycle detection can be provided in various forms including:
- inductive loops at the stop line (in the cycle facility/space, or in the general traffic lane)
- inductive loops before the stop line (providing time to switch to a green cycle phase) – these are only appropriate where cyclists are unlikely to turn off before the intersection/crossing
- push-button detectors
- other detection types exist (eg microwave) but are not commonly used in New Zealand as of 2016.
The table below presents key considerations when designing inductive loops for cyclists.
Table: Key considerations for cycle detection
Detection type | Key considerations |
General stop line loops in traffic lane |
|
Separate stop line loops for cyclists |
|
Bicycle detection located before the stopline |
|
Note that it is rarely necessary to detect cyclists in a hook turn box, but those cases do exist, for example if the cyclist movement is not required by motorised traffic and therefore it is necessary to know when cyclists are present to call the movement. Also note that consideration was given by a New Zealand RCA to terminate a left turning movement supported by a green arrow that conflicted with straight through cyclists during a full green signal if cyclists were detected, but it was decided that detection of bicycles is not reliable enough, and other measures need to be considered to resolve the conflict.
Inductive loops can be set to detect the passage of a vehicle, or its presence. If presence detection is chosen, the loops need to be located where a vehicle would stop. If passage detection is used, the loop can be placed anywhere on the approach where the vehicle would pass it, including at the limit line.
Further general information on cyclist detection is available in ‘ Green Lights for Bikes, Providing for bike riders at traffic signals’ . Care should be taken when applying this guidance as it is written for the Australian context and the New Zealand practical and legislative context should be applied. Information on the use of induction loops for cyclists at wide intersections (all-red extension) is available in ‘ Cyclists at Wide Intersections, All-Red Time Extension on Demand’ .
Detailed design information on push button detection will be provided in the National Traffic Signal Specification which is currently being prepared.
Handrails should be considered adjacent to the cyclist waiting area where practicable. The installation of foot rails below handrails, adjacent to push buttons, should also be considered where no kerb is present.
