A group of safe streets activists in San Francisco has found a way to disable robotaxis operated by Cruise and Waymo by placing a traffic cone on the vehicle’s hood. The activists, known as Safe Street Rebel, have launched a viral campaign on Twitter and TikTok called the “Week of Cone” to protest against the spread of robotaxi services in the city. The campaign has gained traction among residents who are frustrated with the vehicles malfunctioning and causing traffic disruptions. The protest comes ahead of a hearing where the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is expected to approve the expansion of Cruise and Waymo’s autonomous vehicle passenger service deployments in San Francisco.
While the CPUC does not have the authority to grant companies permission to operate their autonomous vehicles on public roads, it does have the power to allow them to charge passengers a fare for the service. The CPUC’s draft resolutions approving the expansion have faced opposition from city agencies and residents who have raised concerns about the impact of robotaxis on traffic, public transit, and emergency responders. They have called for more data collection, workshops, and restrictions on the deployment of robotaxis during peak hours and in downtown areas.
In addition to the safe streets activists, other opponents of robotaxis include the San Francisco Taxi Workers Alliance and the Alliance for Independent Workers, who argue that the spread of autonomous vehicles will eliminate the need for taxi and ride-hail drivers.
Safe Street Rebel’s cone campaign aims to raise awareness and encourage San Franciscans to submit public comments to the CPUC before the upcoming hearing. The group claims that the robotaxis block buses, emergency vehicles, and everyday traffic, and have even caused accidents resulting in the death of a person and a dog. They also criticize the partnership between the companies and the police, alleging that it infringes on people’s privacy rights. While some of these claims may be exaggerated, there have been instances of robotaxis blocking traffic and causing disruptions.
The activists argue that the deployment of autonomous vehicles should involve more input from everyday people who have to deal with the vehicles on the ground. They believe that active protest is a reasonable response to the lack of regulation and oversight of self-driving cars.
Waymo has condemned the cone campaign, calling it vandalism and unsafe behavior on the roadways. However, the activists argue that placing a cone on the hood of a vehicle does not constitute vandalism. Cruise, on the other hand, highlights its safety record and the positive impact of its fleet, such as providing free rides to late-night service workers and delivering meals to food-insecure residents.
Despite the protests, it is unlikely that the cone trick will have any effect on the CPUC’s decision to approve the expansion of robotaxi services. The agency has received support from various stakeholders, including elected officials, accessibility advocates, and technology industry groups. The CPUC’s agenda for the upcoming hearing indicates that it is ready to approve the program authorization, stating that the proposed services are not anticipated to result in significant safety risks.
In conclusion, the “Week of Cone” campaign by safe streets activists in San Francisco is gaining attention as a form of protest against the spread of robotaxi services in the city. While the activists raise valid concerns about the impact of autonomous vehicles on traffic and public safety, it is unlikely that their actions will sway the CPUC’s decision to approve the expansion of Cruise and Waymo’s services.
What safety risks do autonomous vehicles, specifically robotaxis, pose to pedestrians and cyclists in San Francisco?
Of pedestrians and cyclists. They argue that the implementation of autonomous vehicles should not come at the cost of public safety and advocate for stricter regulations regarding their deployment.
To demonstrate their discontent, the activists have resorted to a simple yet effective method – placing traffic cones on the hoods of Cruise and Waymo robotaxis. By doing so, they are effectively disabling the vehicles and making a statement against the spread of robotaxi services in San Francisco. Their actions have gained significant attention on social media platforms like Twitter and TikTok, with their campaign called the “Week of Cone” going viral.
Many residents in San Francisco share the activists’ frustrations, as they have experienced firsthand the malfunctioning of these vehicles and the traffic disruptions they cause. The growing support for the campaign reflects a concern among citizens regarding the potential risks associated with robotaxis.
The protest comes ahead of an important hearing at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), where the expansion of Cruise and Waymo’s autonomous vehicle passenger service deployments in San Francisco is expected to be considered. Although the CPUC does not have the authority to permit companies to operate their autonomous vehicles on public roads, they can authorize the charging of fares for such services.
However, the draft resolutions approving the expansion have faced opposition from various city agencies and residents. These opponents argue that robotaxis have detrimental effects on traffic, public transit, and emergency responders. Their concerns have led them to call for measures like increased data collection, workshops, and restrictions on robotaxi deployment during peak hours and in downtown areas.
Among the opponents are the Safe Street Rebel activists, along with the San Francisco Taxi Workers Alliance and the Alliance for Independent Workers. These groups believe that the rise of autonomous vehicles will ultimately render taxi and ride-hail drivers obsolete.
The cone campaign initiated by the Safe Street Rebel activists seeks to rally support and raise awareness among San Franciscans. Through their online presence and on-the-ground actions, they hope to encourage residents to submit public comments to the CPUC before the hearing. The activists argue that robotaxis pose safety risks by obstructing buses, emergency vehicles, and normal traffic. They further state that these vehicles have been involved in accidents resulting in fatalities for pedestrians and cyclists.
With their grassroots campaign gaining momentum, the safe streets activists in San Francisco are determined to make their voices heard and advocate for stronger regulations and safety measures in the deployment of robotaxi services. The upcoming CPUC hearing will serve as a critical moment to determine the trajectory of autonomous vehicle passenger services in the city.
It’s important to exercise our right to protest, but let’s aim for more constructive solutions that benefit everyone. Disabling robotaxis could disrupt transportation for those who rely on it. Let’s work towards open dialogue and finding common ground for a better future.