Increasing numbers of people living in the city of Manchester in the United Kingdom are preferring active mobility for health, physical or environmental considerations; gradually, Active mobility has become an independent network that calls for the attention of the newly launched local government project to create an integrated network of sensors that serves to provide a deeper and clearer understanding of the movements of pedestrians and cyclists in the city.
Whereas millions of residents of cities and towns around the world leave their homes every day to work, study and so on, They use different modes of transportation depending on personal and climatic conditions and transportation options available. After decades of cars and public transport dominating traffic, By constantly striving to adapt by living a lifestyle without restrictions, Today, the world is witnessing a new trend towards active mobility, which rely on active movement such as walking, cycling and scooters.
In the United Kingdom, Active mobility is witnessing a high demand in contrast to the decline in the demand for public transport, This is because it is a logical and predictable consequence of citizens avoiding being in crowded places after the COVID-19 pandemic changed the face of traffic, This is why creating smart, safe and sustainable ways to move is becoming increasingly important. When analyzing pedestrian, cyclists and scooters as an independent transport network, Several challenges have emerged before the government, From how to understand what is actually going on on the ground to identifying priority areas of investment in the road development plan, Designing a system capable of adapting to changing situations, Ensure less congested, safer and more sustainable traffic.
In this context, Having established the UK's largest pedestrian and cycling network, Greater Manchester Transport Authority, I have started working on other schemes based on an unprecedented major investment in active mobility infrastructure within Greater Manchester. In collaboration with Vivacity Labs, TRA launched a project to install sensors capable of analyzing videos based on artificial intelligence. This is to collect data on active mobility through live and direct monitoring of cycling and walking movement on vital roads and intersections. Whereas the Authority currently relies on 82 automatic meters distributed within the city extending over an area of more than 1200 square kilometers, These meters use photoelectric sensors, Among them are 17 devices dedicated to pedestrian monitoring. The next step, It will involve the installation of about 100 new sensors by the beginning of Fall 2021.
The mechanism of action of this artificial intelligence technology is based on four basic elements, where you start with the sensor, which records videos from the camera attached to it, Then it resorts to machine learning algorithms to extract the associated data, Each frame is then deleted from the clip immediately after it is processed. Whereas the aim is to store data without retaining information about the source, It is this data that will be processed, extracted and stored. And then comes the second element, It is the software approved for technology, A machine learning algorithm has been adopted that processes each frame of the recorded video to extract from it the location of the road or path and classify everyone who passes through it. In this step, Only the general specifications of the road in question are stored, After deleting the recorded photos. Besides the machine learning algorithm, Cloud software has been adopted as the third element of the workflow, The sensors are equipped with a remote connection feature, This enables you to send the data you collect to the cloud and access any device at any time to see the progress of the process for troubleshooting and completing maintenance, upgrade and update tasks remotely. The fourth element is the database, All feedback from the sensors is processed in a way that allows customers to access past and real-time data via the company's dashboard. The software is designed based on a system that ensures that the data remains completely anonymous, The Authority avoids any challenges that may be related to privacy or personal data of passers-by.
The presence of sensors and a new database will enhance the ability to track pedestrian and cyclist movement in Greater Manchester. It will expand the data area, It allows for measuring the success of the investment, As well as to monitor active mobility in sites that are often described as congested or complex, in order to better manage them. This network will therefore strengthen the control mechanisms of the Greater Manchester Transport Authority (TFGM). This means providing a deeper and more accurate knowledge of the current traffic situation and how to apply plans to assess them and develop future plans. This data is even worthy of reference for any study or strategy targeting the field of active mobility, Because it illustrates the interaction between pedestrians, cyclists and motorists, for example, It also provides a picture of various aspects of traffic, such as the number of pedestrians, the roads they take and the speed of their movement. Having developed an integrated understanding of the usefulness, conditions and requirements of active mobility, It will be possible to offer comfortable, safe and enjoyable options to the largest possible number of residents, And provide a real and reliable alternative to private cars, This will reduce congestion and emissions and improve air quality.
References:
https://news.tfgm.com/news/major-boost-for-cycling-and-walking-development
https://vivacitylabs.com/tfgm-active-travel-scheme/
