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From 2007 to 2018, 8,908 cyclists have died across the United States (FWHA) and in 2019 there were about 18,000 accidents involving bicycles. Without any way to inform cars of their next turn or brake, the risk of biking on main roads is very high. This creates hesitation for many bikers who love to bike but are nervous about the possiblity of getting injured. Also, as climate concerns increase, we should be encouraging cycling as a more environmentally friendly mode of transportation but if we are working to get more cyclists on the road, we also to need to develop new ways to keep them safe.
Helmets and other personal gear are all good ways for cyclists to protect themselves in the case that they do get in an accident. However, other than reflective gear, staying alert yourself, and trusting that other drivers are staying alert, there are not many ways to prevent an accident in the first place.
Local and state governments have attempted to prevent accidents by reminding drivers to stay alert on the roads as well as implementing guidelines for drivers. However, it is hard to prevent human error, especially when drivers are surrounded by lots of distractions and the guideline efforts have been stalled (like the dramatic slowdown of Vision Zero, a formal plan to design guidelines on roads in order to eliminate deaths of bikers and pedestrians). In order to ensure personal safety, cyclists must take their own preventative measures.
We surveyed over 50 recreational street cyclists to see their views on safety and wearing protective gear.
We surveyed over 50 recreational street cyclists to see their views on safety and wearing protective gear.
16.7% said they have been in a small to severe accident with a car while cycling.
100% said they care about their safety while on the road.
92.0% said they were more nervous while cycling in busy streets.
98.3% said they would feel more secure if they were able to communicate with the cars around them using turn signals and brake lights.
COMPETITORS & EXISTING PRODUCTS
COMPETITORS & EXISTING PRODUCTS
WingLights by CyCl
WingLights by CyCl
WingLights attach to the ends of a bike's handle bars and display turn signals which are activated by holding down the button at the top for four seconds.
Hard for cars to see because of placement on bike
Takes four seconds to activate turn signal
No brake lights
Bike Turn Signal by CarryBright
Bike Turn Signal by CarryBright
Bike tailights that attach to the rear and front of a bike and are controlled by a remote control attachment for $99.78.
Hard for cars to see because of placement on bike
Overpriced
No brake lights
Reviews describe product as flimsy and not so visible during the nighttime
Design goals
Design goals
Turn signals and brake lights
High visibilty for cars
Easy to control
Lightweight
Something that does not interfere with aerodynamics
Visible during the day and night
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