The Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) and US Ignite have announced that the City of San José, California, has received a $260,000 grant from TMF to advance local traffic safety through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and computer vision technologies. This project aims to enhance road safety by using AI to automatically detect road hazards and obstructions, particularly benefiting vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians.
“Applying AI to enhance road safety reflects our commitment to promoting mobility for all and improving safety,” said William Chernicoff, TMF’s Senior Manager for Global Research and Americas Projects. “For San José to achieve its goal of protecting vulnerable road users, trust in infrastructure is essential. We’re excited to collaborate with San José to make roads safer and more efficient for everyone.”
The grant will help San José address issues such as illegal parking in bike lanes and the dumping of large objects, which pose risks to motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians, and those using assistive mobility devices. The city plans to use AI and computer vision to quickly identify and manage these obstructions while ensuring public privacy. The goal is to enable staff to focus on resolving issues rather than just identifying them.
“Using AI to keep bike lanes clear not only improves public safety but also highlights San José’s commitment to innovative solutions,” said Mayor Matt Mahan. “We look forward to working with Toyota Mobility Foundation and US Ignite to enhance safety for all road users.”
City Manager Jennifer Maguire praised the Information Technology Department’s efforts, stating, “This grant allows us to leverage AI technology to improve roadway safety and make a meaningful impact in our community.”
US Ignite, a nonprofit focused on technology innovation for communities, will assist San José with resources, expert guidance, and expertise in public safety, transportation, and AI. TMF utilized US Ignite’s knowledge to select and recommend the best projects.
“We carefully assessed potential projects and chose San José for its strong impact, likelihood of success, and replicability,” said Nick Maynard, CEO of US Ignite. “San José’s innovative approach with AI will set an example for other cities, advancing urban mobility and safety nationwide.”
The AI and computer vision project supports the San José 2025 Better Bike Plan, which emphasizes safety, mode shift, and equity, as well as the Vision Zero San José initiative to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries. The grant will also help the city engage with community organizations and stakeholders, with plans to share the project’s outcomes with national partners to maximize its impact.
