Photo of an attempted break into the Smartcycle soffit installed into a concrete ceiling.

Force test

Force test

Force test

No breach, no compromise
No breach, no compromise

No breach, no compromise

Security

Security

Urban infrastructure

Urban infrastructure

San Francisco

SmartCycle’s journey began with a simple challenge: protect California’s vulnerable bridge soffits from theft, fire hazards, and unauthorized entry. The first prototype was installed on a high-risk structure in San Francisco, combining tamper-proof design with vibration-tested stability. 

SmartCycle’s journey began with a simple challenge: protect California’s vulnerable bridge soffits from theft, fire hazards, and unauthorized entry. The first prototype was installed on a high-risk structure in San Francisco, combining tamper-proof design with vibration-tested stability. 

Specifications

Location

San Francisco, Napoleon Street

Timeline

April 2024

Spacer

Spacer

The challenge

The challenge

Caltrans needed definitive proof that SmartCycle soffits could withstand real-world attacks—not just lab conditions. A force test was organized at Napoleon Street, one of the city’s most vulnerable bridge sites.

Caltrans needed definitive proof that SmartCycle soffits could withstand real-world attacks—not just lab conditions. A force test was organized at Napoleon Street, one of the city’s most vulnerable bridge sites.

Photo of an attempted break into the Smartcycle soffit installed into a concrete ceiling.

The simulation

The simulation

A maintenance team attempted to breach the soffit using power tools, crowbars, and blunt force—repeating the effort over a period of three weeks. 

A maintenance team attempted to breach the soffit using power tools, crowbars, and blunt force—repeating the effort over a period of three weeks. 

The outcome

The outcome

No breach achieved despite continuous attempts.

No breach achieved despite continuous attempts.

Only superficial, cosmetic scarring was observed.

Only superficial, cosmetic scarring was observed.

Test witnessed by Caltrans and local supervisors.

Test witnessed by Caltrans and local supervisors.

Led directly to follow-up installations at the same site.

Led directly to follow-up installations at the same site.

Photo of an attempted break into the Smartcycle soffit installed into a concrete ceiling taken from below.
Photo of an attempted break into the Smartcycle soffit installed into a concrete ceiling taken from below.
Photo of an attempted break into the Smartcycle soffit installed into a concrete ceiling taken from below.

Impact and benefits

Impact and benefits

Structurally verified

Structurally verified

Validated SmartCycle’s engineering approach

Validated SmartCycle’s engineering approach

Built for scale

Built for scale

Provided critical data and confidence for broader deployment 

Provided critical data and confidence for broader deployment 

Agency approval

Agency approval

Endorsed by Caltrans District 4 for high-risk zones 

Endorsed by Caltrans District 4 for high-risk zones 

Close up of the Smartcycle soffit.

Protect your city today.

Upgrade to next-gen infrastructure safety.

© 2025 SmartCycle Solutions Inc.

Close up of the Smartcycle soffit.

Protect your city today.

Upgrade to next-gen infrastructure safety.

© 2025 Smartcycle, Inc.

Close up of the Smartcycle soffit.

Protect your city today.

Upgrade to next-gen infrastructure safety.

© 2025 Smartcycle, Inc.