Two construction workers carrying the Smartcycle soffit before the installation under a bridge.

San Francisco pilot

San Francisco pilot

San Francisco pilot

Where innovation began

Where innovation began

Where innovation began

Security

Security

Urban infrastructure

Urban infrastructure

San Francisco

District 4

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, District 4

Timeline

Late 2023

Spacer

Spacer

The challenge

The challenge

San Francisco’s aging soffits beneath elevated freeways had become frequent targets of copper theft, illegal access, and fire hazards. Existing closures were ineffective, and repeated re-entry posed escalating costs and public safety risks. 

San Francisco’s aging soffits beneath elevated freeways had become frequent targets of copper theft, illegal access, and fire hazards. Existing closures were ineffective, and repeated re-entry posed escalating costs and public safety risks. 

Smartcycle soffit installed into the ceiling under a bridge.

The solution

The solution

SmartCycle collaborated with District 4 engineers to design and install the first-generation soffit security covers. The system featured vibration-resistant mounting, tamper-proof fasteners, and weatherproof sealing—customized for urban infrastructure. 

SmartCycle collaborated with District 4 engineers to design and install the first-generation soffit security covers. The system featured vibration-resistant mounting, tamper-proof fasteners, and weatherproof sealing—customized for urban infrastructure. 

The outcome

The outcome

First full pilot install completed in a high-risk location.

First full pilot install completed in a high-risk location.

Survived months of exposure with zero security incidents. 

Survived months of exposure with zero security incidents. 

Served as the design benchmark for future SmartCycle products.

Served as the design benchmark for future SmartCycle products.

Endorsed by Caltrans District 4 as a model for similar zones.

Endorsed by Caltrans District 4 as a model for similar zones.

Two engineers taking photos of the Smartcycle soffit installed under a highway bridge.
Two engineers taking photos of the Smartcycle soffit installed under a highway bridge.
Two engineers taking photos of the Smartcycle soffit installed under a highway bridge.

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.