7 Ways Cyclists are Winning in the AI Revolution

As artificial intelligence makes its way into urban planning, it is having some positive impacts on cycling, writes Ron Johnson in Momentum. “Far from Silicon Valley showboating, AI is embedding itself in traffic signals, bike-share systems, route planners, and even helmets—making urban cycling smarter, safer, and more responsive to real-world conditions.”

Johnson lists several ways that AI is making cycling safer and more comfortable, including intelligent route guidance, enhanced safety features, and a personalized riding experience. On a more systemic level, AI can help cities harness data to better understand cycling patterns, improve bike share systems, and improve traffic management and signal timing.

AI can’t do everything, Johnson warns, especially when it comes to ensuring equity and inclusion. “In cities like Minneapolis and Portland, planners are beginning to blend AI insights with community engagement. They’re mapping not just where people ride, but why—learning that some avoid “efficient” routes due to safety concerns no algorithm could detect.”

For Johnson, “The real future of AI in urban cycling isn’t about killer apps or high-tech bikes—it’s about ensuring that planning reflects how people truly move through their cities.”