Abstract Manager

The Netherlands have long been known as a cycling nation, so it comes as no surprise that they have been successfully leading the world in bicycle infrastructure, accommodation design, and operations for many years. They operate their traffic signals with more efficient but also more complex methods to improve safety while maintaining low delay for all road users, including motor vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic. As Canada encourages alternative transportation modes and expands its bicycle network, can we take advantage of the Dutch experience? Is there a need to adopt Dutch-style traffic signals to accommodate these networks?

Through this presentation, Amy and Narayan will articulate the benefits of the Dutch style signal operation, describe the challenges of implementing them with existing Canadian technologies, and review changes in governances which may need adoption to facilitate the implementation of this innovative traffic control construct.

Amy and Narayan will present findings from the implementation of such signal timings and detection configurations to optimize intersection operations in the Town of Canmore, Alberta. The novel signal operations practices studied for use in Canmore included two-dimensional red clearance calculations, new detection setups and barrier-free phase structures. Part of the implementation included a review of Dutch traffic signal and timing standards to create a methodology that would capture the efficiencies of the Dutch-style operation while being compatible with Canadian driving behaviours, laws, and regulations.