The Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) has awarded the City of San José, California with a $260,000 grant to explore advanced AI and computer vision technologies to improve local traffic safety.

The initiative will leverage the technologies to automatically detect road obstructions and other hazards that could impact vulnerable road users, like cyclists and pedestrians, a TMF news release states.

“Applying AI to advance road safety embodies our commitment to creating and ensuring mobility for all, fostering active mobility, and improving safety,” said William Chernicoff, TMF’s senior manager for Global Research and Americas Projects, in the release “For the City of San José to achieve its goal of better safeguarding vulnerable road users, people must trust the infrastructure, as reflected in its safety, security, reliability, and robustness. We are excited to share our know-how and collaborate with San José to make roads safer and higher performing for all.”

Illegal parking in bike lanes and dumping large objects, such as mattresses and furniture, pose significant risks to motorcyclists, bikers, pedestrians, scooter riders, and individuals using wheelchairs or other assistive mobility devices, the release says.

To combat these issues, San José will evaluate and assess the responsible use of AI and computer vision to quickly identify and address obstructions in bike lanes including how the software ensures the privacy of the public, TMF said.

“The desired outcome of the AI-powered solution is to enable staff to improve service delivery by reallocating staff resources from identifying problems to resolving them,” TMF said.

US Ignite, a nonprofit that helps communities address technology innovation challenges, will support San José leaders with resources, guidance, and expertise in public safety, transportation, network communications, civic engagement, and AI, according to the release. TMF relied on US Ignite’s expertise to scout potential projects and provide recommendations.

“We completed an intensive assessment round to identify the best-fitting project,” said Nick Maynard, US Ignite’s CEO, in the release. “Ultimately, the City of San José was selected because its proposed project demonstrated strength in three key areas: magnitude of impact, likelihood of success, and replicability.”

By enhancing the city’s ability to detect and address roadway issues, officials expect to achieve long-term safety improvements for walkers, cyclists, and other micromobility commuters in San José and beyond.

“San José’s pioneering use of AI for road safety aligns perfectly with our mission,” Maynard said. “Their innovative approach will undoubtedly inspire other cities to adopt similar technologies, driving nationwide improvements in urban mobility and safety.”

“Leveraging AI to keep our bike lanes clear not only enhances public safety but also exemplifies San José’s commitment to innovative solutions,” said San José Mayor Matt Mahan, in the release. “We are excited to work with Toyota Mobility Foundation and US Ignite to make our city safer for all road users.”

City Manager Jennifer Maguire added that the grant “enables us to continue creating meaningful impact in San José by using AI technology to enhance roadway safety in our communities and all who live in our great city.”

The AI and computer vision initiative aligns with the San José 2025 Better Bike Plan, which prioritizes safety, mode shift, and equity, as well as the Vision Zero San José initiative to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries, the release says.

Officials plan to share their findings and models with partner agencies nationwide.

Images

Featured image: A San José test vehicle that will be used in AI and computer vision efforts to improve road safety (Provided by City of San José and Toyota)