Researchers are using the latest in cycle light technology to try and make the roads in and around Ipswich safer for cyclists.

East Anglian Daily Times: See.Sense smart cycle lights use sensors to record road conditiosn and traffic hot-spots Picture: See.SenseSee.Sense smart cycle lights use sensors to record road conditiosn and traffic hot-spots Picture: See.Sense (Image: Archant)

Volunteers from BT's Adastral Park in Martlesham have been trialling so-called smart lights, which use advanced sensor technology to monitor their environment.

The lights are able to collect information on ride conditions encountered by cyclists, including the state of the road surface, preferred routes and traffic hot-spot areas. These details are sent to BT's Data Hub where they are combined with other factors such as weather conditions.

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East Anglian Daily Times: See.Sense's technology won a BT Affinity Award in 2016 Picture: See.SenseSee.Sense's technology won a BT Affinity Award in 2016 Picture: See.Sense (Image: Archant)

BT says this information will show which routes local cyclists prefer and reveal the conditions under which people choose not to cycle - helping to identify areas for improvement.

"Over 12 months, we aim to build up a picture of the way people use cycle routes in and around Ipswich, which has a large cycling community," said professor John Davies, BT's chief researcher for future business technology.

"Gaining insight and then sharing it back with trialists will enable BT to improve cycling conditions around Adastral Park, In the same way Suffolk County Council will be able to improve conditions across Ipswich.

East Anglian Daily Times: See.Sense smart cycle lights Picture: See.SenseSee.Sense smart cycle lights Picture: See.Sense (Image: Archant)

"By showing seasoned and potential cyclists the popular routes, road conditions and their level of difficulty, consumers can make evidence-based decisions on cycling."

Around 200 volunteers are using the lights, which were developed by a start-up company called See.Sense, who won a BT Affinity Smart City Award in 2016.

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East Anglian Daily Times: The smart cycle light trials are taking place over a 12-month period Picture: See.SenseThe smart cycle light trials are taking place over a 12-month period Picture: See.Sense (Image: Archant)

The lights feature a number of other safety features. For example, at riskier moments on the road, such as at junctions and roundabouts, the lights automatically flash brighter and faster to make sure cyclists stand out. The gadgets can also be paired with a smartphone app, so if it senses the rider might have been in a crash, a message can be sent to an emergency contact. Thefts can be prevented by detecting if a bike has been moved when the owner is not there.

The volunteers have been recruited from BT and the other tech organisations located at Adastral Park, and Professor Davies said the research is "only the beginning" of efforts to improve the cycling experience. The company is running similar trials in Manchester and Dublin.