Helsinki pilots an innovative warning system at the Viikki light rail crossing.

The pilot project is being implemented at the traffic circle of Viikintie, Koetilantie, and Viikinkaari, where the new warning system activates as trams approach. The system alerts pedestrians and cyclists with spoken audio warnings in two languages and by flashing a yellow warning light. Additionally, textual traffic signs will be installed at the intersection, both warning of approaching trams and providing information about the experiment.

The functionality of the audio and lightning signal equipment is being tested particularly along the new light rail line, where crossings require a new level of alertness from pedestrians and cyclists. At light rail crossings, pedestrians and cyclists must always give way to approaching light rail vehicles, and light rail trams are quieter than ever.

In the future, the number of similar crossing points will increase in Helsinki. The city’s traffic planning also aims to study changes in pedestrian and cyclist behavior and to evaluate the suitability of the warning device for this type of crossing.

The selected intersection is particularly challenging for cyclists arriving from the east and for visually impaired individuals. Cyclists must be aware of the light rail tram approaching diagonally from behind, and the crossing does not have straight angles that would help visually impaired people maintain their walking line. The warning system also provides information to the BlindSquare mobile application, which many visually impaired people use for independent movement.

Enhancing Safety for Vulnerable Road Users

Last summer, Forum Virium Helsinki participated in a tram pilot in Tampere, testing a collision avoidance system to be installed in Škoda trams, which would help prevent collisions.

This time, the solution being tested aims to warn other road users about approaching trams. The Viikki pilot is being carried out in collaboration with the City of Helsinki, VTT, and InnoTrafik Oy.

“The main goal of this pilot is to test the effectiveness of a new type of warning system and to assess whether it improves the safety of vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists,” says Noora Reittu, Project Manager at Forum Virium, who is coordinating the pilot.

Safety will be evaluated through data collection, analysis, and conflict studies conducted by VTT.

Jouni Hänninen, Product Developer at InnoTrafik Oy, states that the project is a unique opportunity to test light rail safety warning devices in a real urban environment. InnoTrafik manufactures smart traffic safety solutions for industrial and transport sectors.

“We aim to develop even more efficient and user-friendly smart traffic devices that promote light rail safety in various conditions, both in Helsinki and internationally,” Hänninen adds.

• Give feedback on the experiment through a short survey!

The pilot is led by Forum Virium Helsinki’s ELABORATOR project, which aims to promote safe, inclusive, and sustainable mobility in the city. The project receives funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program.

Photos: Vesa Laitinen