From cloud to direct V2X: Protecting vulnerable road users with connectivity

The challenge: visibility gaps in traffic

Cyclists and other vulnerable road users remain among those most at risk on our roads.

“I didn’t see them” remains one of the main causes of crashes involving vehicles and vulnerable road users (VRUs). 

Cameras and other sensors can detect what is in view, but riders can be hidden by traffic, buildings, or weather. Connectivity adds what line of sight cannot. It lets vehicles and VRUs share presence and intent, even when they are not visible to one another.

A layered defence: cloud awareness and direct V2X

Car-to-Cloud. Over the network, wide-area awareness extends beyond line of sight. This layer delivers early, safety-enhancing notifications for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Direct V2X. As road users draw closer, direct communication provides real-time, precise awareness between vehicles and VRUs. This is the ultimate safety-critical layer that supports timely notifications at the moments that matter.

Together, these technologies form a layered defence: safety-critical communication through direct V2X, and safety-enhancing awareness through the cloud.

How it comes to life: everyday scenarios

Cyclist ahead. A vehicle receives an early cloud-based notification of a cyclist around a bend. As distance closes, direct V2X refines timing and position so the driver is prepared to slow and pass safely.

Bike back. A cyclist approaches from behind and moves through the blind spot. Cloud awareness provides an initial indication. Direct V2X indicates when the rider is alongside or overtaking so the driver holds a lane change or turn until it is clear.

Intersection. Cyclists and pedestrians can be masked by parked cars or buildings. Cloud awareness can inform drivers of their likely approach before they are in view. Direct V2X supports precise alerts as paths converge, giving drivers more time to respond.

Who’s working together

Qualcomm Technologies . Connectivity platforms and chipsets that span the vehicle, the edge, and the cloud, enabling a layered approach to road-user awareness through Snapdragon Car-to-Cloud Services and V2X.

"Qualcomm Technologies is proud to work with companies like Spoke and the Volkswagen Group to turn technology innovation into real-world impact,” said Jim Misener, Senior Director of Product Management for Qualcomm Technologies.

“Seeing our technologies support safety-focused applications on the road is inspiring and we look forward to helping the entire transportation industry move toward a future with fewer crashes.”

Spoke Safety. VRU2X™ software delivered through the Spoke connectivity bikelight connects cyclists to vehicles and infrastructure. It provides cyclist data for cloud awareness and supports the direct V2X exchange, enabling vehicles to interpret cyclist messages.

“Spoke’s long-standing collaborations with Qualcomm and Audi continue to shape the inclusion of vulnerable road users in the emerging connected ecosystem,” says Spoke CEO Jarrett Wendt. “Our focus on scaling and delivering market-ready solutions has been the foundation of our shared vision.”

Audi-Volkswagen Group. A leading automotive group demonstrating OEM readiness to integrate vehicle-to-cyclist communication in programs that already include Qualcomm chipsets. Audi’s participation highlights the path to embedding connected awareness in production vehicles.

“Collaboration across industries is essential to show that this technology is real, available today, and ready to be deployed,” says Brad Stertz, Director, Audi-Volkswagen Group External Affairs. 

“By working together, we can help reduce the epidemic of vulnerable road user fatalities and enable drivers to better understand their environment.”