Greater Manchester Police on patrol with Volvo Cyclist Detection system

VOLVO’S new safety technology is out on the beat – in Manchester.

The Swedish car company is helping Greater Manchester Police publicise its cycling safety campaign, Operation Grimaldi, by loaning the force a Volvo V40 fitted with the award-winning Cyclist Detection system.

The Volvo Cyclist Detection system operates by scanning the area ahead of the car using a radar unit built into the grille and a camera fitted in front of the interior rear-view mirror.

The camera makes it possible to spot the moving pattern of cyclists and if a rider heading in the same direction suddenly swerves out in front of the vehicle and a collision is imminent, there’s an instant warning and full braking power is applied.

The liveried V40 will be driven around Greater Manchester over the next three months by police community support officers who are keen to educate people about how to use the roads safely as well as tell them about the Cyclist Detection system.

Operation Grimaldi is designed to reduce the number of cyclists involved in collisions and to encourage cyclists and drivers to safely share the road.

Since it was launched fixed penalties have been issued to cyclists around Greater Manchester for offences such as running red lights, not having lights fitted, cycling on footpaths and using mobile phones whilst cycling.

All resulted in a road safety awareness course or a £60 fine.