Google cars programmed to share road with cyclists

Google added the capability to prototypes to minimize accidents with cyclists

Motor & Fleet

By Allie Sanchez

Google recently announced a new capability of its autonomous “bubble cars,” which should lessen their risk profile for insurance underwriters attempting to tackle the technology.

The company has programmed its bubble cars to detect cyclists on the road and make the necessary adjustments in distance from the cyclists and other driving conditions.

Google started testing the cars last year, and the technology is quickly gaining users among its test market. The company developed the ability to drive around cyclists to address the issue of bike accidents, which injured 50,000 cyclists, and killed 720 in 2014 in the US alone, according to industry estimates.

The bubble car’s 360-degree view also makes it more responsive to cyclists’ presence on the road, allowing it to move and give bikers ample space for maneuvering, Google said in a recent report.

Google’s prototype cars are restricted to self-drive at 25 mph, but speeds are eventually expected to go up as they exit testing mode. The current low speed mode allowed the company to circumvent standard car regulatory laws and adhere to those that govern golf carts.

The company has been testing 24 Lexus models and 34 pod-shaped prototype vehicles in areas of California, Washington, Arizona and Texas since last year in a bid to gain first mover advantage in the space.

As of June 30, the cars have logged 1.72 million miles in autonomous mode and 1.15 million in manual. So far, the company has logged two accidents as these cars go around on test mode.

Meanwhile, industry observers have noted that road regulations and legal liabilities will take a while to catch up as developers improve such technologies push adoption further.
 

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