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 posted draft resolutions in May approving the expansion, despite opposition from city agencies and residents. Opponents 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 deployment during peak hours and in downtown areas.
The cone campaign by Safe Street Rebel aims to raise awareness and encourage San Franciscans to submit public comments to the CPUC before the hearing. The activists argue that the robotaxis promised to reduce traffic and collisions but have instead blocked buses, emergency vehicles, and regular traffic. They also claim that the vehicles require streets designed for cars, not people or public transit, and are primarily driven by profit motives. While there are some exaggerations in their claims, it is true that robotaxis have caused disruptions on the roads and have been involved in accidents, although no deaths have occurred in San Francisco.
The activists highlight the lack of input from everyday people in the deployment of autonomous vehicles on public roads. They argue that California regulators are using San Franciscans as guinea pigs for AV technology. The cone campaign invites others to disable the vehicles by placing cones on their hoods. Waymo has called the campaign a form of vandalism and stated that it encourages unsafe behavior on the roads. Cruise, on the other hand, emphasizes its strong 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 an impact on the CPUC’s decision. The agency has 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 for both Cruise and Waymo. The agency does not anticipate significant safety risks from Cruise’s proposed service.
What concerns have opponents of robotaxis raised regarding traffic, public transit, and emergency response times?
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In response to these concerns, the Safe Street Rebel group has taken matters into their own hands by placing traffic cones on the hoods of Cruise and Waymo robotaxis. This act effectively disables the vehicles, disrupting their operations and drawing attention to the activists’ cause.
The “Week of Cone” campaign has gained significant popularity on social media platforms like Twitter and TikTok. Frustrated residents, who have experienced issues with the malfunctioning of robotaxis leading to traffic disruptions, have rallied behind the activists. The campaign serves as a form of protest against the increasing presence of robotaxi services in San Francisco.
The activists’ timing is strategic, coinciding with an upcoming 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 the city. While the CPUC’s authority does not include granting permission for companies to operate their autonomous vehicles on public roads, it can authorize them to charge passengers a fare for the service. In May, the CPUC published draft resolutions that approved the expansion, despite opposition from city agencies and residents.
Opponents of the expansion have expressed concerns regarding the impact of robotaxis on traffic, public transit, and emergency response times. These concerns have fueled the support behind the Safe Street Rebel group’s protest.
The “Week of Cone” campaign serves as a creative and attention-grabbing way for activists to voice their opposition to the proliferation of robotaxis in San Francisco. By actively disabling the vehicles and garnering public support through social media, the group aims to highlight the potential negative consequences of widespread autonomous vehicle deployment.
As the hearing approaches, the actions of the Safe Street Rebel activists may add pressure on the CPUC to consider the concerns and opposition raised by city agencies and residents. The debate surrounding the expansion of Cruise and Waymo’s autonomous vehicle passenger services in San Francisco continues, and the outcome of the hearing will likely have a significant impact on the future of robot taxis in the city.
