In September, UMass researchers began studying and improving pedestrian, cyclist, and driver safety with drones in Somerville. This project is being funded by NEUTC in collaboration with a Swiss startup, Mobilysis.
Dr. Eleni Christofa, a Professor in the Civil and Environmental Engineering department at UMass Amherst, is leading the research effort. Their focus will be centered around the relationship between cyclists and drivers and how they interact on the road. Specifically, the research will be studying poor designs that have led to accidents. “When you have a protected bike lane transitioning, how do you reintroduce those people into traffic and make the drivers more aware there are bicyclists out there?” Christofa asks.
The drones are being sent up to 400 feet over several Somerville roadways. Researchers from Mobilysis plan to capture footage from multiple drones and analyze it for improvement through machine learning, an artificial intelligence that analyzes data for patterns. Recognizing these traffic patterns will help UMass researchers identify what to implement to increase road safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.
Mobilysis has done similar research in Asia, Africa, and Europe. This project is the company’s first in the U.S. The birds eye view that the drones provide will help guide suggestions for bike lanes, signage, and barriers. The research also provides new information for advising on possible new training for drivers.
The research effort began after a fatal cyclist accident in Cambridge the week before, following numerous other accidents in the past year. There has been a huge push and call to action for better bike safety in the area. Christofa’s main goal with this research is “to save lives ultimately.”
(Photo Source: Boston Globe)