Cycling may be healthy and environmentally friendly, but it exposes bike riders to significant risks. The need to share the road with motor vehicles is a serious safety hazard. Even when cyclists wear visibility gear, proactively maintain their bicycles and consistently follow the law, they can end up hurt by drivers who make bad choices in traffic.
Policymakers and safety advocates are always on the lookout for ways to reduce the number of bicycle collisions that occur. Technology could potentially help contribute to improved traffic safety for cyclists. In recent months, artificial intelligence (AI) has been one of the most talked-about advances in technology.
As AI develops and improves, it could influence many different aspects of society. Is it possible for AI to help keep cyclists safer?
AI can help with design matters
The human mind is incredibly creative, but every person has limitations. Those working on infrastructure projects sometimes develop tunnel vision, they may have a hard time thinking of creative solutions for recurring issues.
AI can provide a fresh perspective that could be beneficial for those designing roads and bike paths. While any AI design concepts still require human review and implementation, AI could potentially help create unique design concepts that could protect those utilizing bike paths.
AI can help with vehicle operation
Integrating AI into motor vehicles could revolutionize traffic safety. Self-driving or autonomous vehicles are not yet widely available. However, early technology that could dovetail with specialized AI programming is already used by some vehicle manufacturers.
A combination of specialized programming, sensors and cameras could allow vehicles to better recognize when there are cyclists nearby and keep drivers aware of their presence. Given that many humans can easily overlook bicycles in traffic because they have too much incoming visual information, AI software assisting with vehicle operation could potentially save a cyclist’s life.
While the widespread use of AI for enhanced traffic safety is a long way off, it does present an opportunity to decrease the number of cyclist injuries and fatalities that occur each year. Those involved in cycling collisions often need help handling the aftermath of a car-bicycle crash. Pursuing compensation through insurance claims or litigation can be beneficial for cyclists injured while riding on public roads.
