ISCN Global Mixer | Green Wave Assistant for Cycle Traffic: The 'Leezenflow' Solution in Münster

"Leezenflow" is a green wave assistant for cyclists, implemented by the German Model Project Smart City Münster. The solution utilizes strategically placed LED displays, positioned 100 to 200 meters before traffic lights, to indicate whether the upcoming light will be green upon arrival. The system operates at key points along several cycling routes. 

The primary goal of Leezenflow is to make cycling in Münster even more appealing, contributing to a better urban quality of life with fewer red light offences, reduced noise, and improved air quality along the equipped routes. By promoting cycling as a sustainable mode of transport, Leezenflow plays a vital role in the mobility transition and fosters sustainable urban development. 

In his Global Mixer presentation, Thomas Terstiege from the City of Münster explained how the devices works. By calculating the average speed of cyclists, the distance to the traffic lights, and the duration of the green phase, Leezenflow enables real-time communication between traffic lights and the displays, significantly improving cyclist comfort and safety. 

In addition, the talk covered the development of the solution, from its starting point in 2019, when students developed the first prototype during a hackathon, through further development by the city, to the installation of nine devices in the summer of 2024. 

As with all solutions funded by the German Model Project Smart City (MPSC) programme, Leezenflow’s source code is open for anyone to use, test and further develop. Mr. Terstiege strongly advocated the open source approach, as it is necessary, especially in times of climate crisis, to share and disseminate knowledge for solutions that support sustainable urban development projects. The project has already been replicated in other German cities.