Autonomous vehicles and cycling: Policy implications and management issues

Area of Science:

• Transportation science
• Urban planning
• Public health

Background:

• Cycling offers significant individual and societal benefits but faces low prevalence globally.
• Autonomous vehicles (AVs) present potential impacts on cyclists, yet these are largely unexamined, posing challenges for policy and planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential impacts of autonomous vehicles (AVs) on cycling.
• To identify key issues and stimulate discussion among stakeholders regarding AVs and cycling outcomes.
• To inform future strategies for leveraging AV technology to enhance cycling.

Main Methods:

• An exploratory study involving interviews with diverse stakeholders.
• Stakeholder groups included government, cycling organizations, technology firms, AV industry, unions, legal experts, insurers, policy consortia, and academia.

Main Results:

• AVs show potential to increase cycling prevalence and decrease accident rates.
• Addressing infrastructure and equipment needs is vital for optimizing AV benefits for cycling.
• Informed decisions are required to encourage greater commuter adoption of cycling.

Conclusions:

• AVs offer a promising avenue for promoting active transport and improving cyclist safety.
• Proactive planning and investment in cycling infrastructure are essential to realize the full potential of AVs.
• Collaboration across sectors is key to developing effective policies for the future of cycling with AVs.