Announced at CES, a collaboration by Trek Bicycle, Ford Motor Company, and Tome Software has decided to tackle the rising rate of cyclist fatalities by creating a bicycle-to-vehicle communication system.
There have been great strides in V2V or vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems such as the ability for cars to stop if it senses the other vehicle braking suddenly. However, B2V communication will, obviously, be a little more difficult as the onboard systems of a vehicle are a little different from a bicycle, specifically because a bicycle typically doesn’t have any onboard systems.
This is where Tome Software and Trek Bicycle have aimed to team up. Tome is set to develop the software to communicate with cars and Trek is set to implement it in their newer models. This AI-based software is focused on giving drivers of both vehicles alerts of potentially dangerous conditions such as the cyclist or car intends to turn or is decreasing in speed suddenly.
Initially, this software will roll out with their auto partner, Ford, to make sure that Trek cycles and Ford cars communicate. With any luck, the B2V communication system will grow and become compatible with other vehicle models. However, there still are some kinks to work out.
While this system will likely work very well in more suburban areas where there are only a few cars and a few bicycles, it may not be as viable in urban areas where the cyclist may very well be pinged almost every minute by cars that are perceived as a threat to it. However, the B2V communication system is still in development and hopefully, extensive testing will prevent this issue.
While bicycle-to-vehicle communication still has some issues, it could be a potentially great way to help cyclists and cars safely share the road in the future. Until then, accidents are still going to happen. If you are an injured cyclist and need representation, contact us today.