As AV technology develops, we need it to do more than protect those inside the vehicles. AV technology must also be used to avoid striking pedestrians and cyclists. Balancing the protection of the passengers inside the vehicle with that of the people outside the vehicle may create an ethical challenge for AV software developers, but it must be acknowledged — all potential human contact must be considered.
Issues of Equity Driving has long been a symbol of freedom and independence, and automation has the potential to extend those benefits to those who have been unable to drive due to physical or fiscal challenges. AVs can increase access to employment, education and other vital resources. Such access cannot be limited to affluent consumers (like new technology often is) and exclude those with the most to gain. The safety and mobility benefits of this technology need to be accessible to all, regardless of income, age or other characteristics. Government needs to address the integration of AV in ways that transcend diverse populations, including those on the wrong side of the “digital divide,” to maximize the benefits of this technology.
Data and Funding Needs While there is much about the AV future that we do not know, we can be certain
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that without a reliable funding stream and transportation data, we will not be able to efficiently deliver and maintain a street and road network that supports full AV functionality. To build the cities of the future, planners and engineers need to understand what causes AV crashes and failures. We need to learn what impact pavement condition, signage, striping and potholes have on AV operations. In addition, understanding how and where people travel will allow cities to build curb capacity (the amount of space along the curb used for parking or other purposes) and transit stations that truly meet travelers’ needs. This information on behavior should not be obscured as proprietary to a business or treated as a trade secret and kept from public access. On the contrary, this information is the fundamental building block of the safety and efficiency of our future cities. In this vein, cities will need to enhance their data analysis skills and resources — and may require leadership from the state and federal government on this front. Cities currently rely heavily on gas taxes and parking meter/citation revenues to finance a wide range of municipal services. The advent of more automated vehicles that either do not require parking or don’t make mistakes will drastically curtail this revenue. Meanwhile, the new infrastructure will need to support automation, the likes of which have not yet been identified.
For example, AVs will need cybersecurity protections and street signage that communicates directly with vehicles — and these will require funding.
Congestion and Land Use AVs are a terrific addition to the “first and last mile” toolbox, but they cannot supplant mass transit or active transportation and reap the aforementioned benefits. If AVs make long commutes more appealing and investment in mass transit stagnates, congestion will increase. Government must continue to incentivize shared use and investments in mass transit, walking and cycling. continued
Learn More About Innovation at the Annual Conference Want to hear more about this topic? Attend the “Embracing Innovation and Not Getting ‘Outsmarted’” session at the League of California Cities 2017 Annual Conference & Expo. The session will be held Thursday, Sept. 14, from 4:15 to 5:30 p.m. See the conference program for location details.
Western City, August 2017
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