Signalyst Help
Contents
Using Signalyst
Phone Requirements
Advisory Speeds
Red Lights
Crosswalk Signals
Crosswalk Assist
Permissions and Settings
Ending
Overview
Thank you for using Signalyst, a mobile app that provides relevant, real-time information to improve travel efficiency and safety. Signalyst connects drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians to transportation infrastructure, providing information before it can be seen from the road. It improves travel efficiency by providing traffic light and crosswalk information, including time-to-green countdowns and green light advisory speeds. It improves travel safety by notifying users of potential vehicle and pedestrian conflicts. It runs in the background and provides real-time updates based on anonymous location.
Using Signalyst
Signalyst is designed to be used by drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, but only in a safe manner. The best way to use Signalyst is with audio and notifications while it is running in the background.
If you intend to look at the display while driving, your phone should be mounted to your dashboard or windshield in a visible location. You should not hold your phone in your hand or lap, and should not touch the screen while your vehicle is moving. In addition, some data, including speed limits and signal timing predictions, may be incorrect, so you should always defer to road signs and traffic lights as the final authority.
The first time you run the Signalyst app, you will be asked to allow Signalyst to access your location and send you notifications. You should select Allow while using the app and make sure Precise is selected for location, and select Allow for notifications. Signalyst will conserve your battery by only using your location when the app is open or running in the background.
Phone Requirements
Signalyst requires an Android phone running Android version 11 or higher. Signalyst also requires access to the Internet in order to retrieve real-time information based on your location. It will use your cellular data plan and may result in additional data fees.
Travel Mode
When you first open Signalyst, you will be asked to select between Walking, Cycling, or Driving. Select one by pressing the blue play button next to your travel mode.
Your selection will be used to display appropriate traffic light or pedestrian signals, as well as appropriate safety warnings.
You can end your travel session later by pressing the Stop button in upper left corner of the screen.
You can access the menu by tapping the icon in the upper-right corner of the screen.
A speaker icon is shown next to the menu icon, and you can tap it to enable or disable audible announcements.
Driving and Cycling
Advisory Speeds
In Driving and Cycling modes, a speedometer displays your current speed with an orange ball.
When approaching an intersection, the street names will be displayed at the bottom of the screen. A green band indicates the range of speeds to arrive at a green light.
When there is a potential pedestrian conflict, a notification will be displayed.
Red Lights
Red circles indicate the wait time for the next green light, with a one minute countdown timer that updates every second. You will see and hear an announcement approximately 10 seconds before the light is predicted to change.
Walking
Crosswalk Signals
In Walking mode, a red circle indicates the wait time for the next walk signal, with a one minute countdown timer that updates every second. The countdown timer will show the time for whichever signal is currently red (DON’T WALK) with the shortest wait time.
Crosswalk Assist
When Crosswalk Assist is enabled in the menu, the state of the two closest crosswalk signals are displayed and an announcement is made whenever the state changes.
If supported by the intersection, pressing one of the buttons will request a WALK signal for that crosswalk.
Toolbar and Menu
The toolbar at the top of the screen includes a stop button, an audio mute button, and a menu for preference settings.
The Stop on the left ends the current travel session.
The mute button allows all spoken audio announcements to be enabled or disabled.
The menu on the right has options for enabling and disabling Safety Alerts, Signal Alerts, and Crosswalk Assist, in addition to a Help link.
Safety Alerts - Enables safety-related alerts including pedestrians in the intersection.
Signal Alerts - Enables traffic signal alerts including advisory speed, time-to-green, and prepare for green light.
Crosswalk Assist - Enables crosswalk assistance including walk state and virtual pushbuttons.
Notifications
Signalyst uses notifications to provide information while using other apps. A foreground service notification is started when you select a travel mode from the app. While the Signalyst service is running, you will see a traffic signal icon in the status bar and notification drawer. When alerts are triggered, the service will display heads-up notifications with additional information.
Permissions and Settings: Notification permissions are requested when Signalyst is first run. To manage permissions later, open the Settings app and go to Notifications / App notifications / Signalyst and make sure All Signalyst notifications is enabled. You can also configure specific notification settings for Location service, Safety warnings, and Traffic lights under Notification categories.
Ending: To end the Signalyst service, you can select Stop from the Signalyst toolbar. Keeping the service running while you are not using it will consume battery power.
Feedback
Please send any questions or feedback to info@signalyst.app.