A handlebar-mounted laser that projects an image onto the road ahead to increase a cyclist’s visibility is now available to buy.
Designer Emily Brooke has placed her Blaze light project on crowd-funding website Kickstarter.com, where it has attracted over £30,000 of investment from members of the public.
The idea of using a powerful handlebar-mounted laser to keep inattentive motorists on their toes will appeal to many cyclists, but the design is not intended to leave a trail of smoldering vehicles in its wake – rather the Blaze light shines the bright green image of a bike onto the road to catch the attention of motorists.
Brooke says of her design: “Eighty per cent of cycle accidents occur when bicycles travel straight ahead and a vehicle manoeuvres into them. The most common contributory factor is ‘failed to look properly’ on the part of the motorist.”
BLAZE was a concept that founder Emily designed and patented at University in Brighton. After doing a long ride for charity, Emily got the biking bug and spent the final year of her design course looking at the challenges facing city cyclists. The laser light concept was developed with help from her local council, a bus company, road safety experts and driving psychologists.
Cycle insurance from the ETA offers protection for both you and your bike. It includes new-for-old, third party insurance on any bike you ride , personal accident cover, race event cover and if you suffer a mechanical breakdown, we will come out and recover you and your bike.
andrew cotterill
anything that draws attention to cyclists could be useful, but this laser throws an image ahead of the cyclist so that it draws attention away from the position of the cyclist by a few yards. Think again!!
Douglas Milsom
What an excellent concept. I don’t cycle at night very often now, but when I do, this lamp could be well worth having. I look forward to receiving my lamp before my 74th birthday next May!
I agree with the comments about USB charging, with either a Mini or Micro USB socket on the lamp. I already have two mains to USB adapters (5V 1A output), with a GSP Watch and a Sat Nav. This seems to be the way to go, and should ultimately save on costs of providing a separate charger. Any chance of this version by April?
Graeme
Hi,
I can’t find out where to buy one from, if they are cost effective I’d be interested.
steve padmore
The increase in the number of cyclists with very bright headlights set to shine into the eyes and dazzle oncoming drivers is very worrying. Bright lights good. Blinded drivers heading for you at 50 mph very very bad. Point them at the road not into windscreens if you want to stay safe.
I want one of the lasers, though.
Carolyn
I don’t think this will work as pointed out by first comment, plus could be confusing to motorists… need the light to reflect on cyclist but not green try yellow or blue.