Cycling UK Forum

I saw this on the web as I was surfing and can't decide if it would be a good idea or not:
http://www.envirogadget.com/human-power ... -cyclists/

I think this would work for me:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airborne_Laser
I don't think I'd notice the extra weight.

It's an interesting idea. Unfortunately it's still a solution to something which is not much of a problem - hardly any accidents occur when a cyclist is hit from behind at a low enough closing speed that a colour change and sequence of horns would avert disaster. It would also prevent you from 'working traffic' (and presumably, passing close to obstacles) without embarrasing yourself, and potentially making people swerve everywhere needlessly?

I mean, can you imagine if everyone had one. Would it go off if you overtook a fellow cyclist (would they both go off?)

EdinburghFixed wrote:It's an interesting idea. Unfortunately it's still a solution to something which is not much of a problem - hardly any accidents occur when a cyclist is hit from behind at a low enough closing speed that a colour change and sequence of horns would avert disaster.

In a 30mph limit, you'd want it to extend backwards by about 30 metres (say). In a cone. Presumably depending on actual vehicle speeds,
road conditions, ...

EdinburghFixed wrote:II mean, can you imagine if everyone had one. Would it go off if you overtook a fellow cyclist (would they both go off?)

How does it work with those speed-sensitive speed limit signs ?

Maybe it would work for some drivers, under some limited conditions. But you'd also get people trying to set them off, or seeing how many they could set off.

It looks like Mr Manavella (re?) issued a press release a few days ago, from the webpage dates for this. Which saves some reporters a bit of work. I don't think it exists, except as a mock-up. I doubt he's thought much about it. Seems like a publicity stunt, or fishing exercise.

I still think that this is more practical:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airborne_Laser

I think this might be more effective. But none of the suggestions (except the airborne laser, of course - no amount of hokey religion and ancient weapons makes up for a good blaster at your side) are as good as driver education. And less cars.

I've had similar ideas. I personally thought about proximity triggered flashing lights. I think this would be more noticeable.

Nowhere near as good as a pair of eyes and a voice! Warning other traffic of your presence is too important a part of cycling to try to automate it. Better accessories to improve the process would be a bell and a mirror.

This is about warning people behind you not in front of you.

The Manavella thing and the Altitude Design thing are "Design Concepts". Their function is a PR function. They are not intended to offer actual utility. To try to reason about them as if they did misses the point. But "laser" does seem a good choice of word to put in this material.