This could be helpful no matter what side of the wheel you normally find yourself on. Volvo has built a system that automatically detects bicyclists. If the driver is on a collision course, the system sounds an alarm and brakes, the BBC reported.
The cyclist-detector works with a similar, pedestrian-avoiding feature that Volvo began offering as as an option in 2010. A radar in the car's grille calculates the distance between the car and objects in front of it, while a camera in the rearview mirror figures out what type of objects are in front of the car.
Spotting cyclists is more difficult than detecting pedestrians, however, so the new system uses a more powerful processor, the BBC reported. That means those who already own people-sensing Volvos can't simply get a software upgrade. The cyclist feature will be built into certain new models of Volvos that will be available starting in mid-May. It'll cost at least $2,787 (1,850 British pounds).
Next up, the company wants to make a system that's able to detect deer and other animals.
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This reads as awesome safety technology!
Say, in this age of modern electronics and cars that are run by computers, we are manufactures allowed to make cars to go speeds in excess of 90mph? 90mph or above is not legal any where’s in the USA and should be technically forbidden and turn OFF!
Now, I know my little suggestion will offend many who LOVE their BLING BLING cars, but isn’t the concern for general public safety more important? Hello!
This is going to make hitting cyclists much harder...
Yeah I can see this causing lots of lawsuits when Volvo's THINK they have an unavoidable collision and slam on the brakes and then get rear ended unnecessarily or the computer refuses to allow the car to 'pass' the bike. Chaulk up one for the bikers regardless.
Yes yes, Volvo makes a motorcycle detection and avoidance system. With a little hacking, tweaking and programming, I see and guidance attack system, bra ha ha haaaa!
Great way to waste gas on people who aren't paying attention or think their 'right of way' trumps my mass.
Seriously folks, coming from Seattle, those of you on bicycles take your lives into your own hands when riding with motor-traffic.... honestly you do. Most of the 'accidents' though are caused by bicyclists who believe that the law protects them. I've ridden bikes on streets my entire life and have never even come close to being hit by a car.... why?
Because I respect the car and care about my life.
When motor-traffic is forced to give way to foot or non-motor traffic, it wastes fuel, time, god knows what else. Infrastructure should make it impossible for pedestrian traffic and motor traffic to even have to deal with each other, let alone get into situations with each other. Use pedestrian bridges, sink or elevate either the traffic or the people...
sure would make things a lot easier, safer, efficient.
Another funny part of speed and cars, almost all cars can NOT go the limit of the speed odometer in the car. It is set as high as a sales gimmick. LOL
So many people spend all those extra dollars for the powerful fast car, they can never make use of the speed.
Ya hoo, I have a bling bling car!!Look my speed odometer SAYS SO too! I can travel 'light speed', weeeeeee!
Ha Ha... Snort!
.......................................
This article with monies and technology being spent on safety is the way to go! KUDOS! Well DONE!