Experts Unveil Guide to Help Cities Navigate the Rise of Autonomous Vehicles

Experts from the University of Oregon have unveiled a guide aimed at assisting cities in navigating the complexities of testing and deploying autonomous vehicles on their roadways.

"This guide shares the wisdom and experience of cities, states, transit agencies, private sector companies and community stakeholders that are in the thick of AV piloting, testing and deployment," said Nico Larco, a UO professor of architecture and urban design in the College of Design and director of Urbanism Next.

'Autonomous Vehicles: A Guide for Cities'

Titled "Autonomous Vehicles: A Guide for Cities," this comprehensive resource is specifically designed for city staff and decision-makers, addressing the challenges associated with autonomous vehicle (AV) pilot programs and deployments.

Cityfi, an urban strategy and advisory firm, collaborated with the University of Oregon's Urbanism Next Center to create a pioneering guide. This guide, the first of its kind, provides valuable insights for individuals engaged in AV initiatives.

The Urbanism Next Center specializes in comprehending the impact of emerging technologies, including automated vehicles and e-commerce, on communities. Due to the swift advancements in autonomous vehicle technology, many cities face pilot programs lacking adequate knowledge, planning, or resources.

The guide strives to bridge this knowledge gap, sharing the collective wisdom and experiences of cities, states, transit agencies, private-sector companies, and community stakeholders participating in AV testing and deployment.

Larco emphasized the guide's relevance not only for city staff and leaders but also for anyone interested in understanding the introduction of autonomous vehicles in the US and how cities can collaborate with AV firms to advance technology while addressing community goals.

Autonomous Vehicle Initiative

The guide draws from over four years of insights from the James S. and John L. Knight Foundation's Autonomous Vehicle Initiative. It incorporates lessons from various cities, including San Jose, Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Miami-Dade County that participated in publicly managed AV pilots and demonstrations from 2018 to 2024.

Additionally, input from agencies and organizations in cities such as San Francisco, Washington, DC, New York City, Seattle, Memphis, Texas, Boston, and Los Angeles has been considered.

With a user-friendly approach, the guide is structured, incorporating a color-coded table of contents with sections specifically tailored to the stage a city is in its AV journey.

Various insights are covered in the guide, encompassing the balance between AVs serving city goals and the potential threats they pose, emphasizing the significance of involving key stakeholders early in the process to build trust.

Additionally, the guide delves into the role of cities in regulating AVs on public streets, exerting control over the curb - a pivotal point of transaction for many AV services.

As autonomous vehicles continue to evolve, the guide provides a valuable resource for cities seeking to navigate the integration of this transformative technology into their urban landscapes.