The development of autonomous or self-driving cars has been ongoing for years, with manufacturers and governments investing billions of dollars into the technology. Despite the promise of a future where cars can drive themselves, the reality is that these vehicles are still a long way off from being fully functional and safe. Recent partnerships, such as the one between Bosch and CARIAD (Volkswagen’s software arm), aim to create a new AI-based software stack that can analyze complex urban traffic and predict the actions of other road users. However, for motorcyclists, the idea of self-driving cars raises concerns about safety and the ability of these vehicles to anticipate and react to the unpredictability of two-wheeled traffic.
The official line is that the development of autonomous cars is about safety, with features such as vehicle motion management and hazard warnings designed to make the roads safer for all users. However, for motorcyclists, the concerns are more nuanced. With their small size, quick acceleration, and ability to maneuver through traffic, motorcyclists are often seen as an “edge case” that can be difficult for autonomous vehicles to predict and respond to. The risk of phantom braking, where a self-driving car suddenly slams on the brakes in response to a perceived threat, is particularly worrying for motorcyclists, who may be tucked in behind a car or filtering through traffic.
The makers of autonomous vehicles claim that their systems will be able to anticipate and respond to the actions of motorcyclists, but the reality is that even human drivers often struggle to predict the actions of riders. The use of AI and machine learning algorithms to mimic human reasoning may not be enough to fully understand the motorcycling mindset, which often involves taking risks and pushing the limits of safety. With the deadline for the production-ready system set for mid-2026, motorcyclists are right to be concerned about the potential risks and consequences of sharing the roads with autonomous vehicles.
Ultimately, the development of autonomous cars raises more questions than answers for motorcyclists. Will these vehicles be able to cope with the unpredictability of two-wheeled traffic? Will they be able to anticipate and respond to the actions of riders, or will they pose a new and significant risk to motorcyclist safety? Until these questions can be answered, it’s likely that many motorcyclists will remain skeptical about the benefits of autonomous cars and will continue to exercise caution when sharing the roads with these vehicles. With the future of transportation hanging in the balance, it’s essential that the concerns of motorcyclists are taken into account and that the development of autonomous cars prioritizes the safety and well-being of all road users.