Oregon DOT Study Observes High Comprehension for Blue Light Detection with Signage and Eliciting a Countdown Timer.
Portland, Oregon, United States
Assessment of Bicycle Detection Confirmation and Countdown Devices
Summary Information
Oregon DOT tested a blue light confirmation system in 2018-2020 in which a round blue light turns on when it detects a stopped bicycle. An online survey was conducted to determine comprehension rates of blue light feedback systems and countdown timers. The online survey collected a total of 1,048 responses to study the comprehension of the blue light detection confirmation with and without supplemental signage. Oregon DOT conducted field tests at six intersections in Portland, Oregon. In addition, a bicycle signal countdown timer was installed at one intersection. Quantitative data from a video review and responses from surveys were used to study how the information provided by the confirmation and feedback device affects the overall cycling experience. A total of 2,428 bicyclists were analyzed and 234 intercepted persons were surveyed.
Methodology
A three-step methodology was applied in this study: an online survey administered both in Oregon and nationally via a post card and social media; field video data collection recording cyclists’ arrival location, compliance, and stopping position at intersections; and an intercept survey was developed to understand the public and cyclist’s comprehension of the blue light detection confirmation systems with supplemental signs and countdown timers and the actions taken by cyclists when encountering these devices. The blue light detection confirmation system had four variations that were tested in the field: 1) blue light in back plate, 2) blue light in back plate with supplemental sign, 3) blue light embedded in sign placed far side, and 4) blue light embedded in sign placed near side (Figure 1). A bike countdown timer was installed in one location (Figure 2).
Findings
- Overall, the online respondents averaged about 60 percent strongly or somewhat agreeing about feeling better about waiting at an intersection equipped with a blue light detection confirmation system. At all equipped locations, 81 percent of the cyclists indicated that the devices improved their waiting experience.
- The intercept survey respondents averaged about 84 percent strongly or somewhat agreeing that having information that a bicycle has been detected by the traffic signal is useful. For equipped locations, the response was considerably higher (91 percent).
- For equipped locations, 67 percent “Somewhat Agree” or “Strongly Agree” that the meaning of the blue light and sign is easily understood at the intersection.
- For equipped locations, 53 percent “Somewhat Agree” or “Strongly Agree” that the blue light and sign was clearly visible to them at the intersection. Findings from the far-side installations suggest that the design where the blue light was embedded in the sign was more visible to cyclists and observed by higher proportions of cyclists in the field.
- Most online survey respondents agreed or somewhat agreed that they would support the use of a blue light system at some intersections in their community (70 percent postcard, about 80 percent social media).
In addition, the countdown timer elicited high a comprehension rate according to the respondents.
- Eighty-six percent of respondents said that the display was easily understood and 66 percent felt better about waiting at an intersection with a countdown timer.
- Eighty-three percent of the respondents stated that they could accurately estimate the amount of time remaining until green from the countdown timer's display.
- Having feedback from the traffic signal regarding cyclist’s detection status was preferred by 72 percent of the respondents.
