DIEREN, the Netherlands – Gazelle is convinced of the possibilities of innovative technology to improve cycling safety and is proud to be one of the founders of the Coalition for Cyclist Safety. The Coalition for Cyclist Safety is committed to a broad, comprehensive approach to improve cycling safety and is focused on vehicle-to-everything technology (V2X).
Speaking during the International Cycling Safety Conference (Nov. 15-17) in The Hague, Innovation Manager Maarten Pelgrim of Gazelle presented the mission of the newly founded Coalition for Cyclist Safety. It consists of nineteen leading innovators from the automotive, bicycle and technology sectors that have joined forces. He also went into more detail about the vehicle-to-everything technology (V2X) and inspired other stakeholders to adopt and embrace it.
Cyclists are vulnerable
The reason for establishing the Coalition for Cyclist Safety are disturbing statistics impacting cyclists.. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, 1 percent of all trips in the United States are by bicycle, but cyclists account for 2 percent of all traffic fatalities. According to research by VeiligheidNL (2021), there are 70,000 bicycle victims with injuries in the Netherlands every year. Research by the European Union (ETSC 2020) also shows that 70 percent of fatal bicycle accidents are the result of a collision with a motorized vehicle, such as a car, motorcycle or truck.
Intelligent vehicles
Modern motorized vehicles are becoming increasingly intelligent. In many new cars, for example, an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) is now standard built-in. This is a smart driver assistance system that ensures that drivers are safer and can drive more relaxed. A well-known example of ADAS is Lane Departure Warning (LDW). LDW warns a driver if they are in danger of accidentally leaving their lane. ADAS also brakes automatically if drivers approach the vehicle in front of them too quickly. More and more technology can also be found on bicycles with connected sensors that share locations, search aids in the event of theft, etc. Such smart features are just the beginning.
Cars and bicycles see each other
The Coalition for Cyclist Safety wants to create a digital bridge between vehicles passing each other. The aim is a complete V2X ecosystem in which vehicles use built-in sensors to notice and see each other and can also communicate with each other. An example: a motorist overlooks a cyclist when turning at an intersection, and V2X technology warns the driver of the cyclist. The technology may even be possible to intervene automatically and sparing collision and potential injury.
Coalition breaks the ice
The usefulness of V2X technology is already evident from a proof of concept. It is now especially important that the technology is further refined so that it may be integrated into as many cars and bicycles and function flawlessly. This requires cooperation from multiple sectors of industry, from bicycle manufacturers and component suppliers to automotive parties and IT companies. The Coalition for Cyclist Safety wants to break the ice and strives for the participation of as many companies and policymakers as possible. The application of V2X technology is already in the pipeline. Based on research from coalition members and publicly available data, it is estimated that by 2025 there will be 5.3 million vehicles, construction zones, railway crossings, bicycles and other devices to connect via V2X technology. By 2030, this number may rise to 61 million connected devices, including 20,000 crossings, 60,000 school environments, 216,000 school buses and 45 million smartphones.
Successful together
“Cycling has many environmental, economic, health and wellness benefits and has been increasing in popularity around the world in recent years. Safety is an important condition. In addition to improving the physical infrastructure, mutual communication is possible between motorized vehicles and bicycles, powered by V2X technology, to reduce accidents. We would like to get as many stakeholders on board as possible, so that eventually all cars and bicycles, both electric and conventional, will be equipped with V2X technology. Only then can we be successful with this life-saving technology,” said Innovation Manager Maarten Pelgrim of Gazelle.
The coalition members
The founders of the Coalition for Cyclist Safety are: Audi, Cariad (automotive), Accell, AT-Zweirad, BMC, Bosch eBike Systems, Royal Dutch Gazelle, Shimano, Trek Bicycle Corp (cycling), Autotalks, Commsignia, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., Spoke Safety (technology), Deutsche Telekom and TELUS (telecom). The Advisory Committee consists of: ITS America, League of American Bicyclists, People for Bikes, and The Governors Highway Safety Association.
ABOUT GAZELLE BIKES: Gazelle’s history is very much the history of the bicycle as a popular means of urban transportation. Their original Dutch style comfort bike won over the hearts of cyclists in the Netherlands over 130 years ago. Today, Gazelle's design legacy and ongoing technology enhancements have people all over the world falling in love again. Holding court at the forefront of innovation to make cycling more enjoyable and accessible, Gazelle is an integral part of Dutch cycling heritage, and its future. Staying in cadence with today’s global innovation with their line of electric bikes, Gazelle has positioned themselves as the benchmark for urban mobility - traditionally and contemporarily. Learn more at www.gazellebikes.com/en-us.
