Indonesian J our nal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science V ol. 39, No. 1, July 2025, pp. 118 130 ISSN: 2502-4752, DOI: 10.11591/ijeecs.v39.i1.pp118-130 118 Enhancing urban cyclist safety thr ough integrated smart backpack system Ser gio G ´ omez, Daniel Mej ´ ıa, Fr edy Mart ´ ınez F acultad T ecnol ´ ogica, Uni v ersidad Distrital Francisco Jos ´ e de Caldas, Bogot ´ a D.C, Colombia Article Inf o Article history: Recei v ed Aug 20, 2024 Re vised Mar 8, 2025 Accepted Mar 26, 2025 K eyw ords: Accident pre v ention Cyclist visibility Embedded system Proximity sensors Smart backpack Urban safety ABSTRA CT The inc reasing adoption of bic ycles as a sustainable mode of urban transporta- tion has underscored the ur gent need for enhanced safety measures for c yclists. This paper presents the de v elopment and implementation of an inte grated smart backpack system designed to impro v e the safet y and visibility of urban c yclists. The system le v erages adv anced technologies, including the ESP32 microcon- troller , GPS modules, proximity sensors, and LED lighting, to create a semi- automatic solution that adapts to en vironmental conditions and c yclist beha vior in real-time. Extensi v e testing under v arious conditions, including lo w visibility and adv erse weather , demonstrated the system’ s reliability in enhancing c yclist visibility and reducing accident risks. The smart backpack also features a user - friendly mobile application, pro viding real-time data on speed, distance, and location, which further contrib utes to rider safety . The results indicate signi- cant potential for this technology to be widely adopted, of fering a practical and ef fecti v e solut ion to the gro wing safety concerns of urban c yclists. This w ork not only adv ances the eld of wearable safety technologies b ut also sets the founda- tion for future inno v ations in smart transpor tation systems, contrib uting to safer and more sustainable urban mobility . This is an open access article under the CC BY -SA license . Corresponding A uthor: Fredy Mart ´ ınez F acultad T ecnol ´ ogica, Uni v ersidad Distrital Francisco Jos ´ e de Caldas Carrera 7 No 40B-53, Bogot ´ a D.C., Colombia Email: fhmartinezs@udistrital.edu.co 1. INTR ODUCTION Amid rapid urbanization, the inte gration of c ycling into transportation netw orks has emer ged as a critical strate gy for sustainable city li ving. Ho we v er , the sur ge in urban c ycling has brought to light a pressing need for enhanced safety measures to protect c yclists amidst the hustle and b ustle of city streets [1]. The city of Bogot ´ a, with its vibrant urban landscape and gro wing c ycling community , serv es as a poignant case s tudy for the de v elopment and implementation of safety technologies [2]-[4]. Ho we v er , this is not just a local issue b ut a global concern, as cities w orldwide stri v e to promote c ycling as an eco-friendly and ef cient means of mobility . Ag ainst this backdrop, this paper e xplores the potential of an inte grated smart backpack system to impro v e urban c yclist safety , aiming t o mitig ate the risks as sociated with sharing roads wi th motorized traf c [5]. The proposed s ystem represents a signicant leap forw ard in harnessing technology to create a safer and more inclusi v e c ycling en vironment. Urban areas lik e Bogot ´ a are grappling with the dual challenges of traf c congestion and high rates of transportation-related accidents, which disproportionately af fect c yclists [6]. The unsafe conditions are often e xacerbated by a lack of dedicated c ycling infrastructure and the erratic beha vior of other road users [7]. J ournal homepage: http://ijeecs.iaescor e .com Evaluation Warning : The document was created with Spire.PDF for Python.
Indonesian J Elec Eng & Comp Sci ISSN: 2502-4752 119 Impro ving c yclist safety , therefore, is not only a public health imperati v e b ut also a k e y f actor in encouraging more people to choose c ycling as a viable mode of daily transportation. Cutting-edge technology holds the k e y to reducing the dangers f aced by urban c yclists. Smart systems and inno v ations can enhance visibility , communication, and interaction among all road users. This paper del v es into the design and functionality of a smart backpack system that could re v olutionize c yclist safety by inte grating adv anced technologies such as collision detection, real-time communication, and enhanced visibility . By addressing these safety concerns, the system has the potential to mak e c ycling a safer and more attracti v e option for urban commuters. The research presented in this paper holds broader implications for cities around the w orld that are stri ving to inte grate c ycling into their urban transport netw orks [8], [9]. As global urbanization continues, the lessons learned from Bogot ´ a’ s e xperiences can pro vide v aluable insights for other citie s looking to promote en vironmental sustainability through increased bic ycle usage. Insights from these studies can be adapted and implemented in dif ferent conte xts to create a uni v ersal frame w ork for enhancing c ycling safety . The inte grated smart backpack system discussed in this paper of fers a scalable and adaptable solution that can be customized to meet the unique needs of v arious urban en vironments. By sharing the ndings and recommendations of this study , we aim to contrib ute to the global con v ersation on urban sustainability and c yclist safety . T o conduct a thorough analysis of the potential impact of the smart backpack system on urban c ycl ist safety , this paper adopts a comprehensi v e research methodology . Information is g athered from v arious sources, including academic literature, industry reports, and patent lings, to pro vide a rob ust foundation for the study . The selection of studies for inclusion in this re vie w is guided by stri ngent criteria, ensuring that only those with clear empirical ndings and inno v ati v e perspecti v es on technology application are considered. This paper not only assesses the ef cac y of the s mart backpack system b ut also identies its limitati on s and further research and de v elopment. Each component of the system is e xamined for its adaptability to the urban en vironment and its potential to g ain user acceptance. The comprehensi v e analysis endea v ors to bridge the chasm between research and actionable solutions, presenting a strate gic plan for the adv ancement of technologies that can signicantly enhance the safety of urban c yclists. This detailed analysis helps identify the most suitable solutions for each urban setting. Ultimately , the ndings of this study are intended to inform and guide polic y decisions and technological adv ancements that will mak e our cities safer for c yclists and all residents alik e. The y pro vide the basis for informed decision-making to shape transportation policies and infrastructure. By inte grating these insights, cities can create an en vironment where c ycling is not only feasible b ut also safe, encouraging more people to embrace this mode of transportation for a sustainable future. 2. LITERA TURE REVIEW The domain of c yclist safety technology has witnessed a proliferation of inno v ations aimed at mi tig at- ing the risks associated with urban c ycling. T raditional measures, such as high-visibility apparel and helmets, remain the cornerstone of personal protection for c yclists [10], [11]. These items, including reecti v e jack ets and LED-equipped gear , are designed to enhance c yclist visibility and of fer safety during accidents [12], [13]. Ne v ertheless, these technologies are fundamentally passi v e, serving to mitig ate rather than pre v ent incidents, a limitation that has spurred the de v elopment of more proacti v e safety solutions [14], [15]. In response t o the need for acti v e safety measures, the c ycling community has embraced technol ogies such as adv anced lighting systems and electronic signaling de vices [16], [17]. These systems not only light up the c yclist’ s path b ut also ensure their visibility to other road users, thus reducing the risk of collisions [18], [19]. T urn signals, inte grated into handlebars or wearable de vices, f acilitate clear communication of the c yclist’ s intentions, further enhancing safety [20]. Cameras and radar systems complement these solutions by pro viding c yclists with real-time alerts about approaching v ehicles, thereby enhancing situational a w areness [21], [22]. The inte gration of GPS technology has re v olutionized urban c ycling na vig ation, of fering c ycli sts a wealth of information to enhance their safety and ef cienc y [23]. GPS de vices, no w commonly inte- grated into bic ycle computers o r smart w atches, pro vide real-time data on route information, traf c conditions, and road hazards [24]. These de vices can recommend alternati v e routes to a v oid high-traf c or areas with poor infrastructure, reducing risk e xposure [25]. Additionally , some GPS-enabled de vices are link ed to mo- bile apps that enable accident tracking and reporting, contrib uting to a community-based approach to safety enhancement [26]. Enhancing urban cyclist safety thr ough inte gr ated smart bac kpac k system (Ser gio G ´ omez) Evaluation Warning : The document was created with Spire.PDF for Python.
120 ISSN: 2502-4752 Urban c yclists are increasingly embracing wearable technology , particularly smart helmets and con- nected wearables, to enhance their safety [27]. These de vices can monitor vital signs, detect crashes, and automatically alert emer genc y services to the c yclist’ s location [28]. Equipped with accelerometers and gyro- scopes, these wearables can quickly detect f alls and f acilitate rapid response, potent ially impro ving outcomes post-accident [29]. Furthermore, the emer gence of smart f abrics holds the promise of simultaneously increasing comfort and protection, with sensors that adapt to en vironmental conditions [30]. The recent adv ancements in c yclist safety are a big step forw ard. Ho we v er , it is important to contin- uously assess the ef fecti v eness of current technologies in light of changing city landscapes. The inno v ations in this eld need to be adaptable and able to address present safety concerns while also accommodating future urban de v elopments and changes in c yclist beha vior . Achie ving this requires ongoing research and de v elop- ment dri v en by technological adv ancements and a thorough understanding of city dynamics. The objecti v e is to establish a comprehensi v e system of technologies that will greatly impro v e o v erall c yclist safety . 3. PR OBLEM ST A TEMENT Urban c ycling has become an increasingly popular mode of transportation due to its en vironmental benets and its role in promoting a health y lifestyle. Ho we v er , the rapid gro wth in c yclist numbers has not been matched by corresponding impro v ements in road safety infrastructure, leading to a signicant rise in c yclist-related accidents, particularly in densely populated cit ies lik e Bogot ´ a. The urban en vironment presents numerous hazards to c yclists, including poor visibility , inadequate lighting on k e y routes, and the proximity of motorized v ehicles, all of which contrib ute to a heightened risk of collisions and accidents. Despite the widespread use of traditional safety measures such as high-visibility c lothing, helmets, and reecti v e gear , these solutions are lar gely reacti v e, pro viding protection only after an incident has occurred. This reacti v e approach f ails to address the root causes of man y accidents, particularly those resulting from a lack of visibility or communication between c yclists and other road users. As such, there is a critical need for more proacti v e safety solutions that not only increase the visibility of c yclists b ut also f acili tate better communication and situational a w areness on the road. Moreo v er , the e xisting electronic safety systems, while inno v ati v e, often lack inte gration and adapt- ability . F or instance, while GPS-enabled de vices can pro vide route information and alert c yclists t o hazards, the y do not directly enhance visibility or communication with other road users. Similarly , whi le LED lighting and electronic signaling de vices impro v e visibility , the y do not of fer real-time feedback or data that could be used to further enhance c yclist safety . This disjointed approach results in suboptimal safety outcomes, as these technologies do not w ork together as a cohesi v e system. In light of these challenges, there is a pressing need to de v elop an inte grated safety solution that com- bines the st rengths of e xisting technologies while addressing their limitations. Such a system should enhance c yclist visibility , pro vide real-time feedback on en vironmental conditions, and f acilitate communication be- tween c yclists and other road users. By address ing these needs, the proposed smart backpack system aims to signicantly reduce the risk of accidents and impro v e o v erall safety for urban c yclists. 4. METHODS 4.1. System design and ar chitectur e The smart backpack system is designed with a focus on enhancing urban c yclist safety by inte grating a v ariety of sensors and communication modules into a compact and functional wearable de vice. The core of the system is the ESP32 microcontroller , selected for it s rob ust processing capabilities and dual-mode Bluetooth and W i-Fi connecti vity . The ESP32 serv es as the central hub of the system, managing data acquisition from sensors, processing the information, and coordinating the output to v arious actuators, such as the LED lighting system and the communication interf ace with the mobile application. The system architecture is b uilt around three k e y components: the sensor suite, the processing unit, and the communication modules. The sensor suite includes the BH1750 light sensor , which measures ambi- ent light le v els and triggers the LED lights when the c yclist enters lo w-visibility conditions. The MPU-6050 accelerometer and gyroscope module monitors the c yclist’ s mo v ements, detecting sudden accelerations or de- celerations that might indicate an emer genc y , such as a f all or abrupt stop. Additionally , the NEO-6M GPS module pro vides real-time location data, allo wing the syst em to track the c yclist’ s route and pro vide location- based services through the mobile application. Indonesian J Elec Eng & Comp Sci, V ol. 39, No. 1, July 2025: 118–130 Evaluation Warning : The document was created with Spire.PDF for Python.
Indonesian J Elec Eng & Comp Sci ISSN: 2502-4752 121 Data o w within the system be gins with the sensor suite continuously monitoring the c yclist’ s en vi- ronment and mo v ements. The ESP32 collects thi s ra w data and processes it using predened algorithms to determine the appropriate response. F or instance, if the BH1750 sensor detects lo w light le v els, the micro- controller immediately acti v ates the LED lighting system to increase the c yclis t’ s visibility . Similarly , if the MPU-6050 detects a sharp deceleration, the system can trigger a visual alert, such as ashing the LEDs in a specic pattern to signal an emer genc y . The processed data, including GPS coordinates, is then transmitted via Bluetooth to the mobile application, where it is displayed to the user in real-time. The system’ s architecture also emphasizes modularity and e xpandability . The components are inter - connected through standard communication protocols such as I2C for the sensors and uni v ersal asynchronous recei v er/transmitter (U AR T) for the GPS module, allo wing for easy inte gration of additional sensors or actu- ators if needed. The use of the ESP32’ s dual-core processing capability ensures that the system can handle multiple tasks simultaneously without compromis ing performance. One core is dedicated to managing sensor data and system logic, while the other handles communication tasks, ensuring that data transmission to the mobile application remains smooth and uninterrupted. The system is designed with ener gy ef cienc y in mind. The po wer requirements of the ESP32 and the sensors are carefully managed to maximize battery life without sacricing functionality . The LED lighting system, for instance, is programmed to operate in an ener gy-sa ving mode during the daytime or when the c yclist is stationary . The o v erall architecture of the smart backpack ensures that it is both po werful and ef cient, capable of signicantly enhancing c yclist safety in urban en vironments while maintaining a compact and user - friendly form f actor . 4.2. Component integration The successful operation of the smart backpack system hinges on the seamless inte gration of v ar ious sensors, modules, and a ctuators, each playing a critical role in enhancing the safety of urban c yclists. The inte gration process w as meticulously planned to ensure that all components w ork ed in harmon y , with particular attention gi v en to ph ysical layout, wiring, and communication protocols. The primary components inte grated into t h e system include the BH1750 light sensor , MPU-6050 accelerometer , and gyros cope, NEO-6M GPS module, and the LED lighting system, all orchestrated by the ESP32 microcontroller . The BH1750 light sensor w as selected for its precision in measuring ambient light le v els, a cri tical f actor for acti v ating LED lighting in lo w-visibility conditions. The sensor w as mounted on the top section of the backpack, ensuring unobstructed e xposure to en vironmental light. W iring w as routed i nternally to connect the sensor to the ESP32 via the I2C b us, chosen for its simplicity and reliability in handling data transmission between multiple sensors. This conguration allo wed the microcontroller to continuously monitor light le v els and trigger the LED system as needed without delay , enhancing the c yclist’ s visibility during dusk, da wn, or under lo w-light conditions such as tunnels. The MPU-6050 accelerometer and gyroscope module were inte grated to monitor the c yclist’ s motion, pro viding real-time data on acceleration, orientation, and sudden mo v ements. This module w as strate gically placed near the center of the backpack, aligning with the c yclist’ s center of gra vity f o r accurate mot ion detec- tion. The MPU-6050 w as also connected to the ESP32 via the I2C interf a ce, enabling ef cient data collection and processing. The microcontroller used this data to det ect potential emer gencies, such as sudden stops or f alls and responded by acti v ating the LED lights in a ashing pattern, s ignaling to nearby road use rs that the c yclist may be in distress. The NEO-6M GPS module w as inte grated to pro vide accurate location tracking and na vig ation capa- bilities. Positioned on the e xterior of the backpack to ensure optimal satellite reception, the GPS module w as connected to the ESP32 through a U AR T interf ace. This setup allo wed for the ef cient transmission of GPS data to the microcontroller , which w as then relayed to the mobile application via Bluetooth. The GPS data w as crucial not only for real-time tracking b ut also for logging routes and pro viding location-based alerts, thereby enhancing the o v erall safety and situational a w areness of the c yclist. The LED lighting system, a vital component of the safety mechanism , w as inte grated along the e x- terior of the backpack in a pattern designed to maximize visibility . The LEDs were connected to the ESP32 through MOSFET dri v ers, which were necessary due to the higher current requirements of the LEDs compared to the microcontroller’ s output capacity . The MOSFETs acted as switches, allo wing the ESP32 to control the LEDs’ operation based on inputs from the light sensor and accelerometer . The wiring w as carefully routed through the backpack’ s structure, with protecti v e insulation to pre v ent damage from wear and tear or en vi- Enhancing urban cyclist safety thr ough inte gr ated smart bac kpac k system (Ser gio G ´ omez) Evaluation Warning : The document was created with Spire.PDF for Python.
122 ISSN: 2502-4752 ronmental e xposure. This inte gration ensured that the lighting system could operate reliably under v arious conditions, enhancing the c yclist’ s visibility at all times. 4.3. Softwar e de v elopment The softw are de v elopment process w as k e y in ensuring the seamless interaction between hardw are components and the user interf ace. The pr imary objecti v es of the softw are were to ef ciently manage sensor data, f acilitate real-time decision-making, and pro vide an intuiti v e user e xperience through a mobile applica- tion. The de v elopment process in v olv ed the use of MIT AppIn v entor for the creation of the mobile application and Arduino IDE for programming the ESP32 microcontroller , which serv es as the system’ s core. The Arduino IDE w as utilized to de v elop the rmw are for the ESP32 microcontroller , responsible for managing the data o w between sensors, processing this data, and controlling the outputs. The softw are w as written in C/C++, le v eraging the e xtensi v e libraries a v ailable for the ESP32 platform. K e y functionalities such as readi ng data from the BH1750 light sensor , MPU-6050 accelerometer , and NEO-6M GPS module were implemented using respecti v e librari es lik e “W ire.h” for I2C communication and softw are “Serial.h” for GPS data handling. The rmw are also included routines for controlling the LED lighting system through the use of MOSFET dri v ers, enabling dynamic responses based on real-time sensor data. A critical component of the softw are w as the implementation of algorithms for sensor fusion and data processing. Sensor fusion w as necessary to combine data from the accelerometer and gyroscope in the MPU-6050 module, pro viding more accurate and reliable information about the c yclist’ s mo v ements. This w as achie v ed using a complementary lter algorithm, which mer ged the accelerometer data to detect sudden stops or f alls and the gyroscope data to monitor orientation changes . The processed data w as then used to trigger specic responses, such as acti v ating the LED lights in a ashing pattern to signal an emer genc y . Additionally , the softw are w as designed to periodically check the light le v els using the BH1750 sensor and adjust the LED brightness accordingly to ensure optimal visibility under v arying en vironmental conditions. The mobile application, de v eloped using MIT AppIn v entor , serv ed as the user interf ace for the smart backpack system. MIT AppIn v entor w as chosen for its simplicity and ability to quickly prototype and de v elop applications for Android de vices. The application w as d e signed to display real-time data such as the c yclist’ s speed, distance tra v eled, current location, and light le v els (Figure 1). The Bluetooth communication between the ESP32 and the mobile application w as handled using the “BluetoothClient” component in AppIn v entor , which f acilitated the seamless e xchange of data. The application also pro vided the user with control o v er certain system parameters, such as setting thresholds for light le v els that w ould trigger the LED lights or choosing to acti v ate a silent mode where only critical alerts are displayed. Figure 1. Application on Android smartphone In addition to real-time data display , the mobile application included a feature for logging ride data, which allo wed c yclists to re vie w their performance metrics and routes after their journe y . This feature w as implemented using the “T in yDB” component in AppIn v entor , which stored data locally on the user’ s de vice. The application also incorporated safety features such as sending automatic alerts to emer genc y contacts in the e v ent of a detected f all, le v eraging the accelerometer data processed by the ESP32. The o v erall design of the softw are prioritized responsi v eness, user -friendliness, and the inte gration of safety-critical functions, ensuring that the smart backpack system could ef fecti v ely enhance the safety of urban c yclists. The softw are de v elopment process a lso included rigorous testing and deb ugging phases, where both the rmw are and the mobile application were iterati v ely rened based on feedback from eld tests. The sys- tem’ s performance w as e v aluated i n real-w orld c ycling conditions, ensuring that the algorithms could handle Indonesian J Elec Eng & Comp Sci, V ol. 39, No. 1, July 2025: 118–130 Evaluation Warning : The document was created with Spire.PDF for Python.
Indonesian J Elec Eng & Comp Sci ISSN: 2502-4752 123 the dynamic nature of urban en vironments. An y issues related to sensor accurac y , data transmission latenc y , or user interf ace responsi v eness were addressed during these phases, leading to a rob ust and reliable softw are system that meets the safety and usability requirements of the smart backpack. 4.4. Pr ototyping The prototyping and f abrication phase of the smart backpack system w as a critical step in trans forming the conceptual design into a functional, ph ysical product. This process in v olv ed careful selection of materi- als, meticulous design of the printed circuit board (PCB) layout, and iterati v e f abrication of the prototype to ensure it met the desired performance and safety standards. The primary goals were to create a durable, weather -resistant, and er gonomically sound product that could reliably house the electronic components while maintaining user comfort and functionality . The selection of materials w as dri v en by the need for durability , e xibility , and w aterproong. The outer shell of t he backpack w as constructed using a high-quality , w ater -resistant f abric, chosen for its abilit y to protect the electronic components from en vironmental f actors such as rai n and dust. This f abric w as reinforced with additional layers at critical points, such as the base and seams, to enhance durability and resistance to wear and tear . The interior of the backpack w as lined with shock-absorbing foam, strate gically placed to protect the delicate electronic components, including the PCB and battery pack, from mechanical shocks and impacts during use. Y umbolon foam w as selected for this purpose due to its lightweight yet highly protecti v e properties, ensuring that the backpack remained comfortable to wear while pro viding adequate protection for the electronics. Designing the PCB l ayout w as a comple x task that required careful consi deration of t he spatial con- straints within the backpack, as well as the need to minimize electrical interference between components. The PCB w as di vided into tw o main sections: one dedicated to po wer management and the other to signal pro- cessing and communication. The po wer management section included the lithium-ion battery pack, a v oltage re gulator , and MOSFETs for controlling the LED lights. The signal processing section housed the ESP32 mi- crocontroller , along with the connections for the BH1750 light sensor , MPU-6050 accelerometer , and NEO-6M GPS module. The layout w as optimized to reduce the length of critical signal paths, thereby minimizing po- tential noise and interference. Additionally , the PCB w as designed with o v ersized copper traces in the po wer section to handle the higher currents required by the LEDs, ensuring reliable operation under all conditions. The f abrication of the prototype in v olv ed se v eral iterations, each addressing specic challenges en- countered during the de v elopment process. One of the primary challenges w as ensuring the w aterproong of the backpack without compromising the accessibility of the electronic components for maintenance and up- grades. This w as achie v ed by designing a sealed compartment for the electronics, with w aterproof zippers and silicone g ask ets around cable entry points. The sealed compartment could be easily accessed by the user for battery replacement or softw are updates, without e xposing the electronics to moisture. Another challenge w as managing the heat generated by the electronic components, particularly the LEDs and the po wer management circuitry . T o address this, the PCB w as designed with thermal vias and heat sinks, which ef fecti v ely dissipated heat a w ay from the critical components, maintaining the system’ s stability and prolonging the lifespan of the electronics. Throughout the prototyping process, e xtensi v e testing w as conducted to v alidate the design under real- w orld conditions. The prototype w as subjected to en vironmental stress tests, including e xposure to e xtreme temperatures, hum idity , and mechanical shocks, to ensure it could withstand the rigors of daily urban c ycling. Additionally , the er gonomic design of the backpack w as tested with users to ensure that it w as comfortable to wear for e xtended periods, e v en with the added weight of the electronics. Feedback from these tests w as used to rene the design, resulting in a nal prototype that balanced durability , functionality , and user comfort. 4.5. T esting and v alidation The testing and v alidation phase w as crucial in ensuring that the smart backpack system met the required safety and performance standards for urban c yclists. This phase in v olv ed a series of rigorous tests designed to e v aluate the system’ s functionality under v arious en vironmental and operational conditions. The primary areas of focus during testing included the responsi v eness of the LED lighting system, the accurac y of the GPS module, the reliability of the sensor data, and t he o v erall battery life. Each component w as subjected to specic tests to v alidate its perform ance, and the system as a whole w as tested in real-w orld c ycling conditions to ensure its ef fecti v eness in enhancing c yclist safety . Enhancing urban cyclist safety thr ough inte gr ated smart bac kpac k system (Ser gio G ´ omez) Evaluation Warning : The document was created with Spire.PDF for Python.
124 ISSN: 2502-4752 The LED lighting system w as tested for responsi v eness to changes in ambient light le v els, as detected by the BH1750 light sensor . These tests were conducted in both controlled laboratory settings and real-w orld en vironments with v arying lighting conditions, such as during nighttime, in tunnels, and under streetlights (Figure 2). The system’ s ability to adjust the brightness of the LEDs in real-time w as e v aluated by measuring the response time from the moment the sensor detected a change in light le v el to when the LEDs adjusted their brightness. The results demonstrated that the system could ef fecti v ely enhance visibility in lo w-light conditions, with a response time well within the acceptable range for ensuring c yclist safety . Figure 2. Illumination system in lo w light conditions in the en vironment The NEO-6M GPS module w as subjected to accurac y tests to v alidate its ability to pro vide precise location data. These tests were conducted by comparing the GPS data logged by the smart backpack with reference data obtained from a high-precision GPS de vice. The tests included both stationary measurements and dynamic testing during c ycling to assess t he module’ s performance in tracking the c yclist’ s mo v ement. The results sho wed that the GPS module pro vided accurate location data with minimal de viation, making it reliable for real-time tracking and na vig ation purposes. Additionally , the GPS module’ s ability to maintain a stable connection with satellites in v arious urban en vironments, including areas with tall b uildings and dense tree co v er , w as e v aluated, and it w as found to perform reliably in most conditions. Sensor reliability w as another critical area of testing, particularly for the MPU-6050 accelerometer and gyroscope module, which plays a k e y role in detecting sudden mo v ements, such as f alls or abrupt stops. The sensor w as tested for accurac y and consistenc y in detecting and reporting acceleration and orientation changes. This in v olv ed subjecting the backpack to a series of simulated f alls and abrupt mo v ements to determine ho w quickly and accurately the sensor data w as processed by the ESP32 microcontroller . The testing conrmed that the sensor reliably detected these e v ents and triggered the appropriate safety responses, such as ashing the LEDs in a specic pattern to signal an emer genc y . Battery life testing w as conducted to ensure that the smart backpack could operate for e xtended periods without requiring frequent rechar ging, which is essential for practical use in urban c ycling. The system’ s po wer consumption w as measured under dif ferent operating conditions, including continuous LED operation, GPS tracking, and Bluetooth communication with the mobile application. The tests were designed to simulate typical usage scenarios to determine the e xpected battery life under normal conditions. The results indicated that the backpack could operate for a full day of c ycling (approximately 8-10 hours) on a single char ge, with po wer -sa ving modes a v ailable to e xtend battery life further when full functionality w as not required. 4.6. Data collection and analysis The data collection and analysis phase w as essential for e v aluating the performance of the smart back- pack system under real-w orld conditions. This process in v olv ed g athering data from v arious sensors during eld tests, processing the ra w data to e xtract meaningful insights, and analyzing the results to assess the sys- tem’ s ef fecti v eness in enhancing c yclist safety . The data collected pro vided v aluable feedback on the system’ s functionality , including sensor accurac y , system responsi v eness, and o v erall user e xperience. Indonesian J Elec Eng & Comp Sci, V ol. 39, No. 1, July 2025: 118–130 Evaluation Warning : The document was created with Spire.PDF for Python.
Indonesian J Elec Eng & Comp Sci ISSN: 2502-4752 125 During the eld tests, data w as collected from the BH1750 light sensor , MPU-6050 acceleromet er and gyroscope, and NEO-6M GPS module, all of which were logged by the ESP32 microcontroller (Figure 3). The microcontroller continuously monitored the sensor outputs, logging data at predened interv als to ensure a comprehensi v e dataset. The light sensor data pro vided insights into the ambient light conditions encountered during the tests, while the accelerometer and gyros cope data captured the c yclist’ s mo v ements, including an y sudden changes in v elocity or orientation. GPS data w as logged to track the c yclist’ s route, speed, and location, which w as essential for assessing the system’ s real-time tracking capabilities. I l l u m i n a n c e   [ l x ] T i m e   [ s ] Figure 3. BH1750 light sensor recording in medium-lo w light conditions The ra w data collected from the sensors w as processed using algorithms implemented in the rm w are of the ESP32 microcontroller . F or instance, the data from the MPU-6050 w as processed using a complemen- tary lter to combine accelerometer and gyroscope readings, pro viding a more accurate representation of the c yclist’ s mo v ements. This processed data w as used to identify signicant e v ents, such as sudden stops or f alls, which were then mark ed in the dataset for further analysis (Fi gure 4). The GPS data w as processed to calcu- late the distance tra v eled, and a v erage speed, and identify an y de viations from the planned route, which could indicate areas where the c yclist f aced challenges, such as poor road conditions or high traf c. A c c e l e r a t i o n   i n   t h e   X - a x i s   [ m / s ² ] A c c e l e r a t i o n   i n   t h e   Y - a x i s   [ m / s ² ] A n g u l a r   v e l o c i t y   i n   t h e   Z - a x i s   [ ° / s ] A c c e l e r a t i o n   i n   t h e   Z - a x i s   [ m / s ² ] T i m e   [ s ] Figure 4. MPU-6050 sensor recording during speed change, acceleration, and turning tests The analysi s of the collected data in v olv ed both quantitati v e and qualitati v e methods. Quantita ti v e analysis w as performed using statistical tools to e v aluate the reliability and accurac y of the sensor data. F or e xample, the standard de viation of t he light sensor readings w as calculated to assess the sensor’ s consistenc y in dif ferent lighting conditions. Si milarly , the accurac y of the GPS module w as e v aluated by comparing the logged data ag ainst a reference GPS de vice, calculating the a v erage error in position and speed. The accelerometer and gyroscope data were analyzed to detect patterns that could indicate unsafe conditions, such as sudden decelerations that might precede a f all. These statistical analyses pro vided a clear pi cture of the system’ s performance and highlighted areas for potential impro v ement. Enhancing urban cyclist safety thr ough inte gr ated smart bac kpac k system (Ser gio G ´ omez) Evaluation Warning : The document was created with Spire.PDF for Python.
126 ISSN: 2502-4752 In addition to quantitati v e analysis, qualitati v e feedback from test participants w as g athered to as sess the system’ s usability and ef fecti v eness. Cyclists who participated in the eld tests were ask ed to pro vide feedback on their e xperience using the smart backpack, including the responsi v eness of the lighting system, the accurac y of the GPS tracking, and the comfort of the backpack during use. This feedback w as analyzed to identify an y usability issues that were not e vident from the sensor data alone, such as dif culties in interacting with the mobile application or discomfort caused by the placement of certain components. The combined results from the quantitati v e and qualitati v e analyses were used to rene the s ystem and inform future de v elopment ef forts. The data demonstrated that the smart backpack system w as ef fecti v e in enhancing c yclist safety by impro ving visibility , pro viding accurate location tracking, and responding appro- priately to sudden mo v ements. Ho we v er , the analysis also re v ealed areas where the system could be further optimized, such as impro ving the ener gy ef cienc y of the LED lighting system or enhancing the user interf ace of the mobile application. These insights will guide future iterations of the smart backpack system, ensuring that it continues to meet the needs of urban c yclists in increasingly comple x en vironments. 5. RESUL TS AND DISCUSSION 5.1. Lighting system perf ormance The LED lighting system, controlled by the BH1750 light sensor , performed e xceptionally well in adjusting to v arying ambient light conditions. During eld tests, the system consistently responded to changes in light le v els, such as transitioning from daylight to tunnels or underpasses, by automatically adjusting the brightness of the LEDs. The response time of the lighting system w as found to be within milliseconds, ensur - ing that the c yclist’ s visibility w as maintained at all times. This real-time adjustment signicantly enhanced the c yclist’ s visi bility to other road users, especially in lo w-light conditions. The feedback from c yclists conrmed that the lighting system w as ef fecti v e in alerting dri v ers and pedestrians to their presence, thereby reducing the risk of accidents. Ho we v er , the tests also re v ealed that the system’ s battery consumption increased signicantly when operating at maximum brightness for e xtended periods. This nding suggests the need for further opti- mization of the po wer management system, possibly by inte grating more ener gy-ef cient LEDs or enhancing the po wer -sa ving algorithms. 5.2. GPS accuracy and tracking The GPS module’ s performance w as e v aluated based on its abili ty to accurately track the c yclist’ s lo- cation and pro vide reliable na vig ation data. The eld tests indicated that the NEO-6M GPS module maintained a high le v el of accurac y , with an a v erage positional error of less than 2 meters, e v en in urban en vironments with dense b uildings and trees . The GPS system w as particularly ef fecti v e in tracking the c y c list’ s route and speed, pro viding v aluable data that w as inte grated with the mobile application for real-time monitoring. This le v el of accurac y is critical for urban c yclists who rely on precise na vig ati on to a v oid hazardous areas or plan ef cient routes. Despite the o v erall positi v e results, occasional signal drops were observ ed in areas with v ery high-rise b uildings or underpasses, where satellite visibility w as obstructed. Addressing these limitations might in v olv e e xploring alternati v e positioning technologies, such as inte grating inertia l na vig ation systems (INS) to comple- ment the GPS data and pro vide continuous location tracking in en vironments where GPS alone is insuf cient. 5.3. Sensor r eliability and system r esponsi v eness The MPU-6050 accelerometer and gyroscope module pro v ed to be reliable in detecting sudden mo v e- ments and changes in orientation, which are indicati v e of potential accidents or f alls. The sensor data w as processed in real-time by the ESP32 mi crocontroller , which then triggered the LED lights to ash in a specic pattern to alert nearby v ehicles and pedestrians of the c yclist’ s emer genc y . The system’ s responsi v eness w as v alidated through a series of simulated f all tests, where the time from sensor detection to LED acti v ation w as consistently less than 200 milliseconds. This rapid response time is crucial in pre v enting secondary accidents by maki ng other r oad users immediately a w are of the c yclist’ s situation. Ho we v er , the tes ting phase also high- lighted the need for ne-tuning the sensiti vity thresholds of the accelerometer , as some f alse positi v es were recorded during normal c ycling acti vities, such as abrupt stops or sharp turns. These ndings suggest that fur - ther calibration of the sensor thresholds could i mpro v e the system’ s accurac y in distinguishing between actual emer gencies and normal c ycling dynamics. Indonesian J Elec Eng & Comp Sci, V ol. 39, No. 1, July 2025: 118–130 Evaluation Warning : The document was created with Spire.PDF for Python.
Indonesian J Elec Eng & Comp Sci ISSN: 2502-4752 127 5.4. User experience and battery life Feedback from test participants re g arding the o v erall user e xperience w as lar gely positi v e. Cyclist s appreciated the system’ s unobtrusi v e design and the seamless inte gration of safety features that did not interfere with their riding e xperience. The mobile application, de v eloped using MIT AppIn v entor , w as praised for its intuiti v e interf ace and the real-time display of critical data such as speed, distance, and location. Ho we v er , some users re p or ted issues with Bluetooth connecti vity , particularly in maintaining a stable connection between the mobile de vice and the ESP32 mi crocontroller during long rides. This issue highlights the need for further optimization of the Bluetooth communication protocols to ensure consistent performance. Battery life tests re v ealed that the system could operate continuously for approximately 8 hours under typical usage conditions, which includes moderate LED usage and periodic GPS tracking. While this battery life is suf cient for most daily commutes, it may f all short for longer rides or when the system operates at full capacity , such as in consistently lo w-light conditions. This nding indicates the need for future impro v ements in po wer ef cienc y , such as incorporating a lar ger battery or implementing more aggressi v e po wer -sa ving features to e xtend the operational time without compromising the system’ s safety functions. 5.5. Discussion of o v erall system perf ormance Ov erall, the smart backpack system demonstrated its potential to signicantly enhance urban c ycli st safety through a combination of proacti v e safety features and real-time data inte gration. The LED lighting system, GPS t racking, and sensor -based hazard detection all performed reliably under v arious test conditions, v alidating the system’ s design and functionality . Ho we v er , the testing phase also re v ealed areas where further renement is necessary , particularly in po wer management, sensor calibration, and Bluetooth connecti vity . Addressing these challenges will be critical in future iterations of the smart backpack system to ensure it meets the needs of urban c yclists in increasingly comple x and demanding en vironments. The positi v e feedback from test participants, combined with the quantitati v e data collected, suggest s that the smart backpack system could be a v aluable addition to e xisting c yclist safety measures. By inte grating multiple technologies into a single, user -friendly de vice, this system of fers a comprehensi v e solution to the challenges f aced by urban c yclists, particularly in en vironments with high traf c density and v ariable light- ing conditions. Future de v elopment ef forts will focus on optimizing the system’ s performance, e xpanding its feature set, and conducting broader eld tests to further v alidate its ef fecti v eness and adaptability . The ndings of this study hold signicant implications for urban c yclist safety , addressing critical chal- lenges related to visibility , communication, and real-time hazard detection. Unlik e traditional safety measures, which are predominantly reacti v e, the proposed smart backpack system inte grates proacti v e technologies that dynamically adapt to en vironmental conditions, pro viding a scalable and autonomous solution for accident pre- v ention. This research aligns with the broader scientic consensus that wearable and intelligent transportation systems can signicantly enhance road safety , complementing pre vious studies that emphasize the importance of c yclist visibility and situational a w areness. Ho we v er , our results also introduce a no v el approach by inte- grating multiple sensor -based safety mechanisms into a single, compact system, demonstrating its feasibility for lar ge-scale urban deplo yment. These ndings contrib ute to the gro wing body of research on smart mobility solutions, reinforcing the role of real-time data processing and adapti v e safety measures in reducing c yclist vulnerability in high-traf c en vironments. 6. CONCLUSION The de v elopment of the smart backpack system represents a signicant adv ancement in the pu r suit of enhanced safety for urban c yclists. Through the inte gration of adv anced sensors, real-time data processing, and responsi v e LED lighti ng, the system addresses critical safety challenges f aced by c yclists in comple x urban en vironments. The eld tests demonstrated that the system ef fecti v ely impro v es visibility , pro vides accurate GPS-based tracking, and rapidly responds to potential hazards, thereby reducing the risk of accidents. The positi v e feedback from users further v alidates the system’ s practical applicability , highlighting its unob- trusi v e design and the seamless inte gration of safety features that do not interfere with the riding e xperience. Ho we v er , the testing phase also identied areas for further impro v ement, particularly in terms of po wer manage- ment, sensor calibration, and Bluetooth connecti vity , which will be crucial in rening the system for broader de- plo yment. Enhancing urban cyclist safety thr ough inte gr ated smart bac kpac k system (Ser gio G ´ omez) Evaluation Warning : The document was created with Spire.PDF for Python.