Illuminated sidewalk debuts in Shanghai

China's first sidewalk-embedded pedestrian lights have been put into use at the Bund area in Shanghai during the country's national holiday in the first week of October.

The photo, taken on October 10, 2018, shows an illuminated sidewalk in Shanghai. [Photo: VCG]

The illuminated tiles embedded in the sidewalk can glow from green to red in a change synchronized with that of traffic signals, so as to catch the attention of both pedestrians and drivers.　

It is designed to visibly draw the attention of walkers, especially of those smartphone addicts who walk with their heads down in order to avoid jaywalking and also to enable drivers to notice pedestrians on the sidewalk at night.

Pedestrians are seen walking on an illuminated sidewalk in Shanghai on October 10, 2018. [Photo: VCG]

Made up of special materials, the surface of the lighting tiles is as rough as asphalt road surface.

In addition, a warning system is set on either side of the crossing. The system will detect and record any illegal practices immediately and a directional loudspeaker will then be triggered to warn offenders. 

The image of a jaywalker will also be displayed on an LED screen installed at the side of the sidewalk. 

According to Shanghai police, the system has been utilized at 10 crossings and will later be extended to other key crossings across the city. It is expected to be able to regulate the non-motorized vehicles in the future.