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San Francisco Chronicle
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- San Francisco Chronicle
A Zoox and an e-bike collided in S.F. Here's what it says about robotaxi safety
The light turned green at a busy intersection in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood, where Bryant, Division and 11th streets conjoin at acute angles — and traffic becomes an omnidirectional snarl. What happened next was captured, probably in stark detail, by multiple cameras on a Zoox robotaxi. The company is not required to publicly share its footage, and has declined to do so. A spokesperson said Zoox supplied video to regulators. But in a report filed to the Department of Motor Vehicles, Zoox gave a clinical description of the crash on April 4: A driverless taxi collided with a Bay Wheels e-bike whose rider had swerved into the car's path. The Zoox sustained fender damage while the cyclist rode away. Nobody called police. Though apparently minor, the SoMa fender-bender came at an inflection point for Zoox, an autonomous vehicle company owned by Amazon. Widely recognized as the No. 2 player behind Waymo, Zoox is testing its buggy-shaped robotaxis and retrofitted Toyota Highlanders in the wilderness of downtown traffic, and preparing to launch passenger service. It's also endured some growing pains. Four days after the e-bike jolt, another unoccupied Zoox vehicle collided with a passenger car in Las Vegas. Again, no one emerged with injuries, but the company opted to pause operations in Vegas for several days and recall 270 vehicles for a software update. Such episodes could become more commonplace as self-driving cars flood the roads, treating cities like San Francisco not only as markets, but as laboratories. While the makers of these vehicles contend that a machine programmed to follow traffic laws is safer than an erratic human driver, the crash research is less conclusive. The stakes for these companies are high: Waymo, the most established among them, is rapidly expanding commercial service as Zoox test-runs its carriages in several cities. As they integrate into the transportation system, robotaxis are drawing excitement and delight. At the same time, they're clashing with other road users. Last year a self-driving Waymo car struck and injured a bicyclist in San Francisco's Potrero Hill neighborhood, provoking anger from district Supervisor Shamann Walton. He questioned whether any car operated by artificial intelligence could quickly react to traffic chaos. Representatives of Waymo said an oncoming truck had occluded the Waymo vehicle's view of the cyclist. A review of California DMV reports for March and April suggests that so far, most of these incidents have not caused injuries, and have resulted in minimal damage. Still, they raise a vexing question for the average San Franciscan: Should I be worried a robot car might hit me? The notion has incited a spirited debate among experts. William Riggs, a professor of engineering and management at the University of San Francisco who studies autonomous vehicles, is so confident in the technology that he doubts they pose much danger to other drivers or cyclists — even the ones who violate traffic laws. 'You probably have a greater chance of being struck by lightning' than by a robotaxi, Riggs said. Other researchers are less certain. Scott Moura, a UC Berkeley professor of civil and environmental engineering, said past studies have shown a similar 'crashes-per-million miles' rate between self-driving cars and humans, though data also suggests that AV companies are learning from their experiences, and swiftly course-correcting. In California, AVs are held to a higher standard than human drivers, with a requirement to report any collision that results in injury, death or property damage to the Department of Motor Vehicles and, in some instances, to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Yet since the companies write those reports, they are by definition one-sided and could omit details. The most notorious example is the crash of Oct. 2, 2023, in which a robotaxi operated by General Motors' Cruise struck a jaywalking pedestrian. Although initiated by a hit-and-run driver, the incident led to Cruise's suspension, largely because the company withheld video from state investigators. When pressed about the April 4 collision with the cyclist in SoMa, staff at Zoox point back to their report to the DMV. It portrays two vehicles navigating a complex, unpredictable road space with crosswalks and traffic signals on all sides. The scene unfolded shortly after 9:30 a.m., the fade-out of a Friday morning rush hour. According to Zoox, an e-bike rider had started crossing before the change in signal. Pedaling south down 11th Street, the rider zipped ahead of the robotaxi, which had no driver at the time. Both vehicles had nearly crossed the intersection when the cyclist abruptly turned left. Sensing the maneuver, the robotaxi 'braked hard,' yet a collision 'was unavoidable,' Zoox staff wrote in their incident summary. The cyclist struck the self-driving car's right fender and body, causing minor damage. As the Zoox pulled over on Bryant Street, the cyclist rode to the sidewalk, briefly stopped, and then rolled away. By slowing down and stopping, the Zoox demonstrated its ability to drive defensively, and likely preempted a more serious accident, according to a company spokesperson. 'Autonomous vehicles have the capability to see farther and understand the speed and trajectory of those sharing the road, which is especially important when interacting with vulnerable road users,' the spokesperson wrote in a statement. It continued: 'Safety is foundational at Zoox, and we are continuously learning from our testing across markets to improve the overall safety of roadways.' Whether the Zoox performed worse or better than a human driver in this instance is unclear, said Matthew Raifman, a transportation safety researcher at UC Berkeley's Safe Transportation and Research Education Center. 'There are scenarios where an AV might see (a cyclist) that a human wouldn't see, because they have 360 degree views,' Raifman said. Even so, he noted, an AV doesn't have a human's intuition or ability to anticipate behavior. For all of its perspectives and sensors, a robot car might not understand how a cyclist moves through space. 'I think that's where there's a heuristic process that human drivers have. Maybe a computer can replicate that perception and understanding, but it's also possible that a human driver would have eye contact with the cyclist, or detect something in that cyclist that was indicative they were going to turn instead of go straight.' Or alternatively, perhaps the robotaxis could over time become more perceptive than humans, Raifman said. What if, for instance, a network of them are passing through that intersection every day, collecting data, and sharing it with all of the other robotaxis in a company's fleet? Steven Shladover, a research engineer at UC Berkeley's Institute of Transportation Studies, had a more cut-and-dry reading of the incident. 'It sounds like this was probably the fault of the cyclist,' he said, surmising that a human motorist wouldn't have been able to avoid the collision either. Every expert who spoke with the Chronicle acknowledged the basic math of exposure: More autonomous vehicles traveling more miles means more opportunities to crash. Yet the companies are making a case that their fleets will eventually make the roads safer. After all, a robot won't drive while intoxicated, or start texting friends at a stop light, or get distracted and fail to yield to a pedestrian. Robotaxis 'are getting safer over time as the companies gain more experience with driving in traffic,' Shladover said. 'But that's a long, slow process.'
Associated Press
04-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Thousands Celebrate Dogpatch YMCA Dedication With Live Music, Lion Dance, and Youth Festival
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 3, 2025-- The YMCA of Greater San Francisco today welcomed civic leaders, partners and community members to celebrate the official dedication ceremony of the newly opened Dogpatch YMCA at Crane Cove. It marked a significant investment in the waterfront neighborhood and a bold new chapter in the organization's mission to support youth, families and well-being across the region. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: Civic leaders, partners and community members celebrate the newly opened Dogpatch YMCA at Crane Cove with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting. The ceremony coincided with the YMCA's second annual Y for Youth Community Festival, which welcomed an estimated 2,500 attendees to Crane Cove Park for a dynamic afternoon of lion dance performances, live music, youth-centered activities, waterfront recreation and family wellness programming - all set against San Francisco's revitalized southeastern waterfront. 'This is a landmark day for the YMCA, the Dogpatch neighborhood and the vibrant communities we are proud to serve,' said Jamie Bruning-Miles, CEO of the YMCA of Greater San Francisco. 'The new branch at Crane Cove is a welcoming space where people of all ages can come together, strengthen their well-being and build lasting community. Today's celebration offers just a glimpse of the meaningful connections and opportunities that lie ahead.' The ribbon-cutting featured remarks from community leaders District 10 Supervisor Shamann Walton and Port of San Francisco Executive Director Elaine Forbes. They were joined by YMCA Board Chair Gina Gregory Burns, Enrique Landa of Associate Capital, Deborah Loker Hicks of the Loker Foundation and John Kelly of Dome Construction - all of whom played key roles in making the project possible. 'Today's celebration is a powerful example of what we can accomplish when we center community voice and work together with purpose,' said Supervisor Shamann Walton. 'The Dogpatch YMCA at Crane Cove is more than a beautiful new space - it's an investment in equity, wellness and access for the people of District 10 and all San Franciscans. I'm proud to stand with the YMCA, the Port and so many committed partners in opening a place that reflects the strength, resilience and future of our city's southeast neighborhoods.' Located along the revitalized waterfront at Crane Cove Park, the Dogpatch YMCA is the organization's 15th branch - and its first new facility built in San Francisco in 30 years. Its location expands access to wellness programming in one of the city's fastest-growing neighborhoods. Housed in a reimagined historic warehouse, the branch offers a broad range of programs including group fitness classes, wellness coaching, access to water sports through a partnership with Dogpatch Paddle and daily engagement with nature via playgrounds, picnic spaces and beach access. Designed with deep community input and collaboration from the YMCA's Board of Directors, the Port of San Francisco, the Dogpatch Neighborhood Association, Potrero Boosters Neighborhood Association and other local stakeholders, the facility reflects the spirit and aspirations of the neighborhood it serves. The ribbon-cutting also marked the growing momentum of the YMCA's broader vision for the area: a future 25,000 square foot flagship wellness and aquatic center at Power Station, the mixed-use development led by Associate Capital, set to rise just blocks away. 'The opening of the Dogpatch YMCA at Crane Cove is a proud milestone for this neighborhood and for the Power Station project,' said Enrique Landa, Managing Partner at Associate Capital. 'It's a shining example of how thoughtful collaboration can bring meaningful, inclusive spaces to life - places where families, young people and neighbors can come together to thrive. As we look ahead to the next chapter with the expanded YMCA at Power Station, we're excited to continue building a healthier, more connected San Francisco.' That broader vision took a major step forward today with the announcement of a transformative $3 million grant from the Loker Foundation to support the future Aquatic Center at Power Station. This contribution will help expand access to water safety, swim instruction and community programs in an area historically underserved by aquatic facilities. 'Access to recreation, water safety and wellness programs is essential for building healthy communities,' said Deborah Loker Hicks, Board Chair of the Loker Foundation. 'By collaborating with the YMCA - whose mission so closely aligns with our foundation's focus on health and education - we are proud to help bring the future Aquatic Center at Power Station to life and expand opportunities for families across San Francisco.' Please click here for access to the full press kit including creative assets. About the YMCA of Greater San Francisco: With 15 branches in San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin counties, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco promotes individual and community well-being through wellness programs, youth development and critical social services. The programs and services at each local Y are shaped by the needs and aspirations of the people it serves, building strong bonds of connection at the community level. Through partnerships with neighborhood associations, schools, civic leaders and businesses, the Y continues to evolve and expand, providing safe spaces in which people can be authentic, belong to a welcoming community, and become their best selves. Learn more at View source version on CONTACT: Kathryn Inglin VP of Marketing & Communications [email protected] 415.716.7976 KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA CALIFORNIA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: MEN GENERAL HEALTH PHILANTHROPY FAMILY CONSUMER COMMERCIAL BUILDING & REAL ESTATE CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY FITNESS & NUTRITION TEENS FOUNDATION URBAN PLANNING WOMEN HEALTH SOURCE: YMCA of Greater San Francisco Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 05/03/2025 05:34 PM/DISC: 05/03/2025 05:34 PM
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Thousands Celebrate Dogpatch YMCA Dedication With Live Music, Lion Dance, and Youth Festival
Crane Cove Transforms into All-Ages Waterfront Festival as YMCA Opens Its First New SF Facility in 30 Years SAN FRANCISCO, May 03, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The YMCA of Greater San Francisco today welcomed civic leaders, partners and community members to celebrate the official dedication ceremony of the newly opened Dogpatch YMCA at Crane Cove. It marked a significant investment in the waterfront neighborhood and a bold new chapter in the organization's mission to support youth, families and well-being across the region. The ceremony coincided with the YMCA's second annual Y for Youth Community Festival, which welcomed an estimated 2,500 attendees to Crane Cove Park for a dynamic afternoon of lion dance performances, live music, youth-centered activities, waterfront recreation and family wellness programming - all set against San Francisco's revitalized southeastern waterfront. "This is a landmark day for the YMCA, the Dogpatch neighborhood and the vibrant communities we are proud to serve," said Jamie Bruning-Miles, CEO of the YMCA of Greater San Francisco. "The new branch at Crane Cove is a welcoming space where people of all ages can come together, strengthen their well-being and build lasting community. Today's celebration offers just a glimpse of the meaningful connections and opportunities that lie ahead." The ribbon-cutting featured remarks from community leaders District 10 Supervisor Shamann Walton and Port of San Francisco Executive Director Elaine Forbes. They were joined by YMCA Board Chair Gina Gregory Burns, Enrique Landa of Associate Capital, Deborah Loker Hicks of the Loker Foundation and John Kelly of Dome Construction - all of whom played key roles in making the project possible. "Today's celebration is a powerful example of what we can accomplish when we center community voice and work together with purpose," said Supervisor Shamann Walton. "The Dogpatch YMCA at Crane Cove is more than a beautiful new space - it's an investment in equity, wellness and access for the people of District 10 and all San Franciscans. I'm proud to stand with the YMCA, the Port and so many committed partners in opening a place that reflects the strength, resilience and future of our city's southeast neighborhoods." Located along the revitalized waterfront at Crane Cove Park, the Dogpatch YMCA is the organization's 15th branch - and its first new facility built in San Francisco in 30 years. Its location expands access to wellness programming in one of the city's fastest-growing neighborhoods. Housed in a reimagined historic warehouse, the branch offers a broad range of programs including group fitness classes, wellness coaching, access to water sports through a partnership with Dogpatch Paddle and daily engagement with nature via playgrounds, picnic spaces and beach access. Designed with deep community input and collaboration from the YMCA's Board of Directors, the Port of San Francisco, the Dogpatch Neighborhood Association, Potrero Boosters Neighborhood Association and other local stakeholders, the facility reflects the spirit and aspirations of the neighborhood it serves. The ribbon-cutting also marked the growing momentum of the YMCA's broader vision for the area: a future 25,000 square foot flagship wellness and aquatic center at Power Station, the mixed-use development led by Associate Capital, set to rise just blocks away. "The opening of the Dogpatch YMCA at Crane Cove is a proud milestone for this neighborhood and for the Power Station project," said Enrique Landa, Managing Partner at Associate Capital. "It's a shining example of how thoughtful collaboration can bring meaningful, inclusive spaces to life - places where families, young people and neighbors can come together to thrive. As we look ahead to the next chapter with the expanded YMCA at Power Station, we're excited to continue building a healthier, more connected San Francisco." That broader vision took a major step forward today with the announcement of a transformative $3 million grant from the Loker Foundation to support the future Aquatic Center at Power Station. This contribution will help expand access to water safety, swim instruction and community programs in an area historically underserved by aquatic facilities. "Access to recreation, water safety and wellness programs is essential for building healthy communities," said Deborah Loker Hicks, Board Chair of the Loker Foundation. "By collaborating with the YMCA - whose mission so closely aligns with our foundation's focus on health and education - we are proud to help bring the future Aquatic Center at Power Station to life and expand opportunities for families across San Francisco." Please click here for access to the full press kit including creative assets. About the YMCA of Greater San Francisco: With 15 branches in San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin counties, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco promotes individual and community well-being through wellness programs, youth development and critical social services. The programs and services at each local Y are shaped by the needs and aspirations of the people it serves, building strong bonds of connection at the community level. Through partnerships with neighborhood associations, schools, civic leaders and businesses, the Y continues to evolve and expand, providing safe spaces in which people can be authentic, belong to a welcoming community, and become their best selves. Learn more at View source version on Contacts Kathryn InglinVP of Marketing & Communicationskinglin@ 415.716.7976 Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Wire
03-05-2025
- General
- Business Wire
Thousands Celebrate Dogpatch YMCA Dedication With Live Music, Lion Dance, and Youth Festival
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The YMCA of Greater San Francisco today welcomed civic leaders, partners and community members to celebrate the official dedication ceremony of the newly opened Dogpatch YMCA at Crane Cove. It marked a significant investment in the waterfront neighborhood and a bold new chapter in the organization's mission to support youth, families and well-being across the region. The ceremony coincided with the YMCA's second annual Y for Youth Community Festival, which welcomed an estimated 2,500 attendees to Crane Cove Park for a dynamic afternoon of lion dance performances, live music, youth-centered activities, waterfront recreation and family wellness programming - all set against San Francisco's revitalized southeastern waterfront. 'This is a landmark day for the YMCA, the Dogpatch neighborhood and the vibrant communities we are proud to serve,' said Jamie Bruning-Miles, CEO of the YMCA of Greater San Francisco. 'The new branch at Crane Cove is a welcoming space where people of all ages can come together, strengthen their well-being and build lasting community. Today's celebration offers just a glimpse of the meaningful connections and opportunities that lie ahead.' The ribbon-cutting featured remarks from community leaders District 10 Supervisor Shamann Walton and Port of San Francisco Executive Director Elaine Forbes. They were joined by YMCA Board Chair Gina Gregory Burns, Enrique Landa of Associate Capital, Deborah Loker Hicks of the Loker Foundation and John Kelly of Dome Construction - all of whom played key roles in making the project possible. 'Today's celebration is a powerful example of what we can accomplish when we center community voice and work together with purpose,' said Supervisor Shamann Walton. 'The Dogpatch YMCA at Crane Cove is more than a beautiful new space - it's an investment in equity, wellness and access for the people of District 10 and all San Franciscans. I'm proud to stand with the YMCA, the Port and so many committed partners in opening a place that reflects the strength, resilience and future of our city's southeast neighborhoods.' Located along the revitalized waterfront at Crane Cove Park, the Dogpatch YMCA is the organization's 15th branch - and its first new facility built in San Francisco in 30 years. Its location expands access to wellness programming in one of the city's fastest-growing neighborhoods. Housed in a reimagined historic warehouse, the branch offers a broad range of programs including group fitness classes, wellness coaching, access to water sports through a partnership with Dogpatch Paddle and daily engagement with nature via playgrounds, picnic spaces and beach access. Designed with deep community input and collaboration from the YMCA's Board of Directors, the Port of San Francisco, the Dogpatch Neighborhood Association, Potrero Boosters Neighborhood Association and other local stakeholders, the facility reflects the spirit and aspirations of the neighborhood it serves. The ribbon-cutting also marked the growing momentum of the YMCA's broader vision for the area: a future 25,000 square foot flagship wellness and aquatic center at Power Station, the mixed-use development led by Associate Capital, set to rise just blocks away. 'The opening of the Dogpatch YMCA at Crane Cove is a proud milestone for this neighborhood and for the Power Station project,' said Enrique Landa, Managing Partner at Associate Capital. 'It's a shining example of how thoughtful collaboration can bring meaningful, inclusive spaces to life - places where families, young people and neighbors can come together to thrive. As we look ahead to the next chapter with the expanded YMCA at Power Station, we're excited to continue building a healthier, more connected San Francisco.' That broader vision took a major step forward today with the announcement of a transformative $3 million grant from the Loker Foundation to support the future Aquatic Center at Power Station. This contribution will help expand access to water safety, swim instruction and community programs in an area historically underserved by aquatic facilities. 'Access to recreation, water safety and wellness programs is essential for building healthy communities,' said Deborah Loker Hicks, Board Chair of the Loker Foundation. 'By collaborating with the YMCA - whose mission so closely aligns with our foundation's focus on health and education - we are proud to help bring the future Aquatic Center at Power Station to life and expand opportunities for families across San Francisco.' Please click here for access to the full press kit including creative assets. About the YMCA of Greater San Francisco: With 15 branches in San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin counties, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco promotes individual and community well-being through wellness programs, youth development and critical social services. The programs and services at each local Y are shaped by the needs and aspirations of the people it serves, building strong bonds of connection at the community level. Through partnerships with neighborhood associations, schools, civic leaders and businesses, the Y continues to evolve and expand, providing safe spaces in which people can be authentic, belong to a welcoming community, and become their best selves. Learn more at
