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berlage1856 t1_ivazh3j wrote

Reply to comment by WaitForItTheMongols in Cambridge City Council to consider citywide ban on ‘turning on red’ by superfakesuperfake

I understand that. You might find it interesting to look up traffic lights in The Netherlands: they are installing smart lights, super sensitive to approaching traffic (thus reducing wait times at lights) as a part of a light system that separates various traffic types (vehicular, pedestrian and cycles). A lot can be done with technology when there is a will—and some funding.

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ik1nky t1_ivbb68f wrote

Cambridge is installing video sensors at many intersections now. Wherever they pop up, waiting time is greatly reduced.

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berlage1856 t1_ivbcqzt wrote

Great to hear. Any examples to point out for us?

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ik1nky t1_ivbe2wu wrote

Mass Ave and Churchill in North Cambridge was the first one I found out about. The left turn arrow phase doesn't activate unless someone is actually turning.

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j_parkour t1_ivh19cl wrote

Interesting. I'll have to check that out. I had thought Cambridge had a policy to have no sensors and have everything run on a fixed timer.

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jeffbyrnes t1_iwdljgs wrote

The policy is that there are no “beg buttons” for pedestrian crossings, except at mid-block crossings, to ensure pedestrians always get an opportunity to cross during each light cycle.

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j_parkour t1_iwmiqlo wrote

That's true. But vehicle sensors can still be useful. Shortening a left arrow based on a sensor will allow a pedestrian light to come on sooner. And a side street sensor can cause the pedestrian light to change to flashing don't walk once traffic has cleared and pedestrians have been given adequate time.

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jeffbyrnes t1_iwmx57n wrote

Agreed! I’m not aware of any sensor usage, but also don’t know if there’s any policy against sensor usage. Enforcement cameras remain illegal in MA however.

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