- December 27th, 2024
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General Motors (GM) has announced that bicyclist-alert technology will become standard equipment on most of its vehicle lineup starting with the 2025 model year. Currently, this technology is standard on 10 vehicles, including the all-electric 2023 Cadillac Lyriq and the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse. Frank Dusina, a GM safety engineer personally affected by a bicyclist's death, emphasizes the importance of this technology in preventing accidents. GM's system includes front pedestrian detection, side bicycle detection, and forgotten cyclist detection, which work together to alert drivers to the presence of cyclists and, if necessary, automatically brake the vehicle.
The move comes in response to rising numbers of cyclist fatalities, with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data showing a 13% increase in cyclist deaths from 2021 to 2022. GM's technology, which has evolved from radar and camera detection systems first implemented in 2016, aims to reduce such incidents. Other automakers, including Ford, also offer similar safety features, though GM appears to be the first to make them standard across a significant portion of their product line.
GM's commitment to standardizing bicyclist-alert technology is a promising development in the quest for safer roads. As cycling is a key component of multimodal transportation, technologies that enhance cyclist safety can encourage more people to consider biking as a viable commuting option, reducing vehicle traffic and emissions.
For communities like Oakland, where cycling is an integral part of the urban landscape, the adoption of such technologies by one of the largest automakers signals a significant step towards creating a more bike-friendly environment. It underscores the importance of integrating advanced safety features into transportation planning and vehicle design to protect all road users and foster a culture of shared road responsibility.
The introduction of these safety features aligns with the goals of improving road safety for all users, including vulnerable cyclists, and supports traffic mitigation by potentially reducing accidents that can cause congestion. As the technology becomes more widespread, it may also influence other vehicle manufacturers to follow suit, leading to a broader industry shift towards prioritizing cyclist safety.
Source: Detroit Free Press
