Would a self driving car world make it safe for cyclists?
#126
C*pt*i* Obvious
Indeed, the automobile DOES function as expected... the "problem" is not the automobile, it is the idiot behind the wheel that DOES NOT function as desired... as that idiot often chooses to circumvent the rules designated by society for safe cooperative use of the road. It is that idiot that the "brains" of self driving cars are attempting to replace.
Cars work fine... and we would have few "incidents" if only the rules and laws were followed.
Cars work fine... and we would have few "incidents" if only the rules and laws were followed.

How to solve this idiot problem though?
Autonomous technology has existed in many forms for decades, such as elevators, perhaps we need to rethink all of this?
I'm a bit wary of any technology that restricts freedom of movement.
There will be a massive downsizing of the population if automation takes over completely.
Reality is often stranger than fiction.
Humanity is the enemy.
#127
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Posts: 4,730
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1524 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 923 Times
in
514 Posts
A lot of those billions are invested to influence what we think is cool. So I have little doubt they'll be able to market whatever look they come up with.
I'm also not sure looks matter as much anymore. Sure, the Tesla looks cool, but your average sedan looks about the same as the next one no matter who makes it. Utilitarian shouldn't be a tough sell.
#128
genec
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: West Coast
Posts: 27,079
Bikes: custom built, sannino, beachbike, giant trance x2
Mentioned: 86 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 13658 Post(s)
Liked 4,530 Times
in
3,157 Posts
In theory appearance shouldn't matter. But in reality it does.
Most people don't want to drive something (or have it drive you) that looks like a UFO.
Even when it comes to cellphones and computers, people want something that looks nice.
Companies don't spend billions to make their products look good for nothing.
#129
genec
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: West Coast
Posts: 27,079
Bikes: custom built, sannino, beachbike, giant trance x2
Mentioned: 86 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 13658 Post(s)
Liked 4,530 Times
in
3,157 Posts

How to solve this idiot problem though?
Autonomous technology has existed in many forms for decades, such as elevators, perhaps we need to rethink all of this?
I'm a bit wary of any technology that restricts freedom of movement.
There will be a massive downsizing of the population if automation takes over completely.
Reality is often stranger than fiction.
Humanity is the enemy.
#130
Banned
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,341
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 959 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Safety issues aside, I wonder how driverless tech will impact the aesthetics of the car. And aerodynamics. You got all these camera and radar gizmos sticking out of the roof, it does not look pretty. Automakers spend billions to make their cars look good, as well as on wind-tunnel testing and aerodynamic design. Because people want to drive a nice-looking car and all those extra doodads sticking out of it doesn't help. The system could be streamlined to a certain extent but it's not easy to do. In order to have a clear view of everything around it the radar has to be mounted high up on the roof. So trying to streamline it may compromise safety.
#131
genec
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: West Coast
Posts: 27,079
Bikes: custom built, sannino, beachbike, giant trance x2
Mentioned: 86 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 13658 Post(s)
Liked 4,530 Times
in
3,157 Posts
Within 10 years most people will not own their own cars and will be relying on inexpensive driverless rideshare cars instead (and probably a bit more walking, biking and mass transport than today). They'll care about the aesthetics of the vehicles as much as they care about the aesthetics of taxis, Uber and Lyft cars today: very little.
#133
genec
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: West Coast
Posts: 27,079
Bikes: custom built, sannino, beachbike, giant trance x2
Mentioned: 86 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 13658 Post(s)
Liked 4,530 Times
in
3,157 Posts
Looks like self driving cars will be given a real test up in Washington State...
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-...145f-122550353
California requires a driver for all testing... Apparently some other states do not, I believe Michigan, Colorado, Texas, Tennessee and Georgia do not require a backup driver for self driving car testing.
The cars are being tested in several cities. Data is being collected. Results to follow, when published.
Self-driving cars, with or without a human behind the wheel, could begin testing on Washington roads in 60 days, under an executive order signed by Gov. Jay Inslee Wednesday.
Inslee said that 94 percent of accidents are caused by human error, a number that autonomous-vehicle technology has the potential to cut drastically.
The event took place at the headquarters of Echodyne, a Bellevue company that makes high-resolution radar that could be used in driverless cars. It’s one of more than a dozen companies in the state working on aspects of the autonomous-vehicle industry.
“One thing I know about radar, it doesn’t drive drunk, it doesn’t drive distracted,” Inslee said. “We humans are really good at a lot of things, driving cars isn’t necessarily one of them compared to the automated processes that are digital and foolproof. I just have huge confidence in the safety aspects of this.”
Inslee’s move is similar to one signed in Arizona in 2015, which also established pilot programs with loose regulations for companies to test self-driving vehicles and set up a committee to evaluate the outcomes.
Both Uber and Waymo, Google’s self-driving car company, are testing their vehicles in Arizona, although both companies still use a driver who can take control of the vehicle when necessary.
Inslee said that 94 percent of accidents are caused by human error, a number that autonomous-vehicle technology has the potential to cut drastically.
The event took place at the headquarters of Echodyne, a Bellevue company that makes high-resolution radar that could be used in driverless cars. It’s one of more than a dozen companies in the state working on aspects of the autonomous-vehicle industry.
“One thing I know about radar, it doesn’t drive drunk, it doesn’t drive distracted,” Inslee said. “We humans are really good at a lot of things, driving cars isn’t necessarily one of them compared to the automated processes that are digital and foolproof. I just have huge confidence in the safety aspects of this.”
Inslee’s move is similar to one signed in Arizona in 2015, which also established pilot programs with loose regulations for companies to test self-driving vehicles and set up a committee to evaluate the outcomes.
Both Uber and Waymo, Google’s self-driving car company, are testing their vehicles in Arizona, although both companies still use a driver who can take control of the vehicle when necessary.
California requires a driver for all testing... Apparently some other states do not, I believe Michigan, Colorado, Texas, Tennessee and Georgia do not require a backup driver for self driving car testing.
The cars are being tested in several cities. Data is being collected. Results to follow, when published.
#134
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Brisbane Aust
Posts: 1,643
Bikes: Giant ToughRoad Giant talon
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 705 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
1 Post
Self-driving cars, with or without a human behind the wheel, could begin testing on Washington roads in 60 days, under an executive order signed by Gov. Jay Inslee Wednesday.
As for the belief that one day our roads will be full of driverless cars, well don't hold your breath. There are still 50 Million on food stamps and I doubt those families will ever afford one. Of course in 15 years they could probably afford a second hand one, but how well will 15 year old computers and sensors perform...
#135
Senior Member
I wonder what the kickback will be for him? Politicians never do anything unless they are getting some remuneration.
As for the belief that one day our roads will be full of driver-less cars, well don't hold your breath. There are still 50 Million on food stamps and I doubt those families will ever afford one. Of course in 15 years they could probably afford a second hand one, but how well will 15 year old computers and sensors perform...
As for the belief that one day our roads will be full of driver-less cars, well don't hold your breath. There are still 50 Million on food stamps and I doubt those families will ever afford one. Of course in 15 years they could probably afford a second hand one, but how well will 15 year old computers and sensors perform...
Think outside of the box on that one. Low income family's may not fall into the scheme from a traditional standpoint, but if we move to more of a ride share system (Uber Cars) etc low income individuals may be given credits as a part of assistance programs to allow them to use these vehicles. Also in some states vehicle funding is a part of government assistance. We could see something similar. I think the shift to this technology is just a small part of a overall larger change that is coming to our society.
As for the government kick backs. Absolutely, the grease that makes the wheels of our government move!
#136
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Brisbane Aust
Posts: 1,643
Bikes: Giant ToughRoad Giant talon
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 705 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
1 Post
Think outside of the box on that one. Low income family's may not fall into the scheme from a traditional standpoint, but if we move to more of a ride share system (Uber Cars) etc low income individuals may be given credits as a part of assistance programs to allow them to use these vehicles.

#137
Full Member
deadspin-quote-carrot-aligned-w-bgr-2
I thought of this thread when I read this article earlier today.
TL;DR version: Autonomous bolt slams on the brakes when another car cuts in front and gets hit by a biker from behind who couldnt stop in time.
Now, usually its the fault of the person who hits from behind.
But in this case, I wonder if a more alert human would have swerved instead of slammed on the brakes and saved both the cyclist as well as itself?
I thought of this thread when I read this article earlier today.
TL;DR version: Autonomous bolt slams on the brakes when another car cuts in front and gets hit by a biker from behind who couldnt stop in time.
Now, usually its the fault of the person who hits from behind.
But in this case, I wonder if a more alert human would have swerved instead of slammed on the brakes and saved both the cyclist as well as itself?
#138
genec
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: West Coast
Posts: 27,079
Bikes: custom built, sannino, beachbike, giant trance x2
Mentioned: 86 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 13658 Post(s)
Liked 4,530 Times
in
3,157 Posts
I wonder what the kickback will be for him? Politicians never do anything unless they are getting some remuneration.
As for the belief that one day our roads will be full of driverless cars, well don't hold your breath. There are still 50 Million on food stamps and I doubt those families will ever afford one. Of course in 15 years they could probably afford a second hand one, but how well will 15 year old computers and sensors perform...
As for the belief that one day our roads will be full of driverless cars, well don't hold your breath. There are still 50 Million on food stamps and I doubt those families will ever afford one. Of course in 15 years they could probably afford a second hand one, but how well will 15 year old computers and sensors perform...
The event took place at the headquarters of Echodyne, a Bellevue company that makes high-resolution radar that could be used in driverless cars. It’s one of more than a dozen companies in the state working on aspects of the autonomous-vehicle industry...
#139
genec
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: West Coast
Posts: 27,079
Bikes: custom built, sannino, beachbike, giant trance x2
Mentioned: 86 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 13658 Post(s)
Liked 4,530 Times
in
3,157 Posts
deadspin-quote-carrot-aligned-w-bgr-2
I thought of this thread when I read this article earlier today.
TL;DR version: Autonomous bolt slams on the brakes when another car cuts in front and gets hit by a biker from behind who couldnt stop in time.
Now, usually its the fault of the person who hits from behind.
But in this case, I wonder if a more alert human would have swerved instead of slammed on the brakes and saved both the cyclist as well as itself?
I thought of this thread when I read this article earlier today.
TL;DR version: Autonomous bolt slams on the brakes when another car cuts in front and gets hit by a biker from behind who couldnt stop in time.
Now, usually its the fault of the person who hits from behind.
But in this case, I wonder if a more alert human would have swerved instead of slammed on the brakes and saved both the cyclist as well as itself?
#140
Full Member
"More alert" was in comparison with the general population of half asleep human drivers.
#141
genec
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: West Coast
Posts: 27,079
Bikes: custom built, sannino, beachbike, giant trance x2
Mentioned: 86 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 13658 Post(s)
Liked 4,530 Times
in
3,157 Posts
I am not questioning reaction times here. But the actual reaction itself. It is obvious that the bolt did not factor the cyclist into its equation when it decided to slam on the brakes.
"More alert" was in comparison with the general population of half asleep human drivers.
"More alert" was in comparison with the general population of half asleep human drivers.
You commentary is pure conjecture, based on an assumption that humans are better drivers. For all you know, in this instance, the robocar had already determined that a swerve would have caused more damage to others.
Perhaps the human cyclist should have swerved, eh?
#142
Senior Member
Many times swerving creates a bigger problem than just going straight. Swerving involves vehicles and others in the other lane. With an average reaction time of 0.7s, do you really rely on human judgement to check his blind spot, all the mirrors and swerve into a clear area with no obstacles in less than that time?
By slamming the brakes, it looks as if the vehicle did the right thing as the rear ender was most likely the least of all the possible damages.
By slamming the brakes, it looks as if the vehicle did the right thing as the rear ender was most likely the least of all the possible damages.
#143
Full Member
#144
Senior Member
2) The biggest complaints by motorists are about other motorists.
And none of these are attributed to self-driving vehicles.
That's how.
#145
Full Member
How many self driven vehicles are out there? and how many human driven?
#146
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Brisbane Aust
Posts: 1,643
Bikes: Giant ToughRoad Giant talon
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 705 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
1 Post
navigating the constantly fluid road environment is simply beyond them and they will always crash into barriers, run under trucks, and eventually be killing people as they prioritize inanimate objects above a living organism in their senseless pursuit of the lesser of two collision options.
AI is a SiFi fantasy, always has been, will probably remain so, and nothing short of AI would be safe on the roads.
#147
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Bay Area, Calif.
Posts: 7,239
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 659 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
No, genec, you're grasping at straws now. The computer hasn't a clue what's behind it, it could be a trash can dropped from a passing truck, but a human will know it's a cyclist and have the concept in their conscious mind long after they have looked away from the mirror.
https://www.ted.com/talks/chris_urms..._road#t-917034
Not only are cyclists correctly identified, but their hand signals are also observed and taken into account as well as the possibility that they (as well as motorists) will sometimes act contrary to the vehicle code.
#148
genec
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: West Coast
Posts: 27,079
Bikes: custom built, sannino, beachbike, giant trance x2
Mentioned: 86 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 13658 Post(s)
Liked 4,530 Times
in
3,157 Posts
No, genec, you're grasping at straws now. The computer hasn't a clue what's behind it, it could be a trash can dropped from a passing truck, but a human will know it's a cyclist and have the concept in their conscious mind long after they have looked away from the mirror. Computers can be made to do simple tasks like the one I am doing now now on my laptop because they have been programmed to. But take a computer out of it's depth even a little and it locks up or jinxes or makes any number of errors.
navigating the constantly fluid road environment is simply beyond them and they will always crash into barriers, run under trucks, and eventually be killing people as they prioritize inanimate objects above a living organism in their senseless pursuit of the lesser of two collision options.
AI is a SiFi fantasy, always has been, will probably remain so, and nothing short of AI would be safe on the roads.
navigating the constantly fluid road environment is simply beyond them and they will always crash into barriers, run under trucks, and eventually be killing people as they prioritize inanimate objects above a living organism in their senseless pursuit of the lesser of two collision options.
AI is a SiFi fantasy, always has been, will probably remain so, and nothing short of AI would be safe on the roads.
#150
genec
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: West Coast
Posts: 27,079
Bikes: custom built, sannino, beachbike, giant trance x2
Mentioned: 86 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 13658 Post(s)
Liked 4,530 Times
in
3,157 Posts