Innovative Traffic Safety Solutions: Enhancing Cyclist Safety

The Mobility Data Space supported the evaluation of a groundbreaking safety measure for cyclists as part of the award-winning PrioBike-HH project (2024). In collaboration with the Initiative for Safe Roads GmbH and the City of Hamburg, an innovative system for improving traffic safety was tested at a critical intersection in Hamburg’s HafenCity (Am Sandtorkai / Großer Grasbrook). The goal was to use digital technology and optical signals to prevent turning accidents and significantly enhance cyclist safety.

At the heart of the measure is a radar-based detection system that monitors vehicles and cyclists approaching the intersection. In the event of a potential collision during a turning maneuver, nine embedded LED ground lights flash to warn drivers of cyclists in the intersection area. In addition to visual analysis through camera footage, innovative telematics data from the Initiative for Safe Roads GmbH, provided in collaboration with a leading car insurance company, were utilized. These data enabled a detailed before-and-after analysis based on driving behavior, including braking, steering, and acceleration patterns.

By connecting key stakeholders and providing access to comprehensive mobility data, the Mobility Data Space significantly supported the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. The evaluation results provide valuable insights for future developments and the potential implementation of the safety measure at additional locations across Hamburg.

Learn more about the project at PrioBike-HH.

A cyclist is riding on a cycle path marked in red with a dashed line and ground lights. A black car is stopped on the left at the crossroads.

Involved partners

Initiative for safe roads:
The Safe Roads Initiative works on innovative traffic solutions, uses telematics data to analyse driving behaviour and develops measures to improve road safety.

City of Hamburg:
As an innovative metropolis, the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg promotes forward-looking mobility projects and is committed to safe and efficient transport routes with digital solutions and sustainable measures.

Shared Data:
Traffic information

In the past, hazardous situations and actions have been assessed by on-site cameras. This is supplemented by data on near misses and heavy braking events.

Telematics data for different events: 
-Breaking
-Steering
-Speeding
-Acceleration

Voices from the project

A smiling, bespectacled man in a blue suit and white shirt.

“The findings from the PrioBike-HH project are helping us to better understand the needs of cyclists. With innovative technologies such as the ground lights in HafenCity, we are exploring ways to increase cyclists' awareness and safety, and to prevent turning accidents.”

Anjes Tjarks,
Senator for Transport and Mobility Transition
© Senatskanzlei Hamburg

A smiling man in a grey top.

“Mobility data makes a very important contribution to improving road safety work. It is important to adapt it to specific needs as an analysis or application, as is the case with PrioBike-HH in Hamburg. The role of MDS as a networker is also essential.”

Arno Wolter,
Managing Director of Initiative für sichere Straßen GmbH
© Initiative für sichere Straßen/Ittermann