The system, called "The Interceptor", is currently being tested in Pleasanton, California.
Jessica Mulholland of Governing Magazine talked with Pleasanton Senior Transportation Engineer Joshua Pack:
"When the sensor detects a bicycle, it triggers the timing of traffic lights one way, and when it detects only cars, it triggers a different timing scheme. The better pacing of green lights provides a safer crossing," Pack explained.
Pack likes the system, but is concerned about increasing delays when his city's traffic is primarily automobiles.