Uber launches new feature to protect cyclists from car dooring

Uber is set to introduce an electronic safety feature and driver education campaign in a bid to prevent Melbourne cyclists crashing into rideshare cars.

Cyclist Tatiana Marulanda, trying to avoid taxis and Ubers on Bourke St. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

Hi-tech safety upgrades will now warn Uber customers about busy bike lanes in a bid to prevent crashes across Melbourne.

The rideshare giant will roll out the changes in Australia from today and begin an education campaign encouraging people to become more aware of cyclists.

A new feature in the Uber app will detect when a car is making a pick up or drop off on a bicycle route and send a notification telling them to be on the lookout.

Uber’s Australian head of strategy, Dom Taylor, said the company hoped the simple change would help reduce the dangers faced on Melbourne roads.

“This has been tested in other countries and was very successful,” he said.

“What we’ve been able to do is use existing map data and add our own verification to give the best picture possible of where cyclists actually travel.”

On average, there are more than 160 crashes involving bicycles and car doors recorded in Victoria every year.

The City of Melbourne, City of Yarra and Stonnington City Council are the three most common areas for accidents.

RELATED:

COMMUTERS TURN TO RIDESHARING TO PLUG TRANSPORT GAP

RIDESHARE GIANT REVS UP MELBOURNE VOICE-CONTROL TRIAL

CABBIES SUE UBER IN CLASS ACTION

Mr Taylor said Uber would also be teaching drivers the “Dutch reach” technique in which drivers only open the car with the hand furthest from the door.

“By using your inside hand to get out of the car you’re turning your whole body around which makes you look out for passing traffic,” Mr Taylor said.

“It is a simple behaviour change that can save lives.”

[e-mail]

@KieranRooneyCM

Originally published as Uber launches new feature to protect cyclists from car dooring