It won’t be long until dark evening commutes are little more than a distant memory, but in the meantime we’ve been getting creative with our bike lights.
We borrowed a strobe light from one of our recovery lorries, and crammed it into an old Sigg Pulsar water bottle. Pulsar by name, pulsar by nature: Our bidon blinker sends powerful pulses of light in a 360-degree arc.
We’re hoping it might reduce the likelihood of a ‘left hook’ – when a driver overtakes you and then immediately cuts across your path to make a turn.
Our hydration hack is inspired by a bike light that’s available to buy. The Orb MKII illuminated water bottle may be less powerful than our own bidon blinker, but it’s much lighter and its modular design allows the electronics to be removed for cleaning.
Bidon bling: The Orb illuminated water bottle
In fact, every element of the light is user-repairable with spare parts provided by Orb. The light boasts 8 hours on constant mode and 16 when flashing thanks to its USB-rechargeable battery.
Win an Orb illuminated water bottle
We have an Orb MKII to give away. To be in with a chance of winning, simply leave us a comment below.
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Colin
Very nice idea to give a cyclist all round visibility at night.
Becky
Excellent idea, would be wonderful if it was to help illuminate every cyclists nightmare…….POTHOLES!!! Especially if it’s been raining. Would be interested in putting it to the test on different locations of mounting to see which is the most effective!! 😉
Martin Baker
I’ve got two bottle cage mounts on my road bike. I could easily reserve one for this if I win.
Stu
We already carry front and back lights by Law.
It’s also suggested that we wear brights with reflective… which is turned in to a *must wear hi-viz* by the press and anti-cycling sentiment.
All this – and products like this – does is become yet another weapon to be used against us when drivers are too lazy to look properly, or their driving is too poor.
“Didn’t see them … they didn’t have a light to the side”
How long before that becomes culpable negligence on behalf of the cyclists from the drivers insurance point of view?
The ETA
It’s a fair point..and the reason campaigners lobbied against the legal requirement for cyclists to have rear lights around a century ago. Seems like a counter-intuitive argument these days but, as you say, there’s institutionalised victim blaming that appears to be getting worse.
Peter Harman
And the Lord said “Let there be light,and it was good.”
Any thing,to prevent the “Sorry mate, didn’t see you” can only be a good thing
Barry
Does look good, great idea.
But unfortunately you can be as lit up as you want to be…but if they don’t bother to turn their head and look or check…..
Ride with Roy
But at least we can have a drink while waiting for the ambulance 😀
Steve
Looks cool.
Peter Harman
I’ve a c line electric Brompton,the tail light is currently working intermittently.Its under warranty, apparently,but I am a professional cyclist, I can’t not do my job without lights,so important to have a backup,and then back that one up too..belt and braces.
Hi Vis ,lights on my hat, it’s safer to be seen.I wish Brompton would get back to me, I have no idea what it is that’s not working,but I’ll clip on rechargeables and carry a crusifix an pray
Graeme
I like these lights: visible from many directions. I have a 10yr old Fibre flare which isn’t super bright, but is wonderfully visible. I worried that your custom light might confuse people as to whether you might be trying to turn… but confused drivers sometimes slow down – which can be helpful. Nice lights though.
Gary
If this works to curb the rampant driver’s ailment of SMIDSY, I’m definitely in favour of it.
Stephen
Fabulous! The more I look like a cycling Christmas tree the better!!
🎄
Brilliant idea
Excellent idea. How long does the battery lasts?
Vick
Very flash!
Steve
Pretty flashy!
JohnB
What an interesting concept!
Steve K
More light is good!
Peter
Wonderful extra lighting option for the crazy city cycling!
Janet
What a brilliant idea. I’d love one.
Jenny C
Great idea 💡
Julian Fargher
Sad to say I first thought it said Biden Blinken. I don’t want them but would like to shed some light around.
Sidney Harbour
Whoa! What a sensible idea.
John
For a rider to be seen from every angle is a must day and night but this is a great idea to help to be seen. Brilliant
Pete G
Don’t think you can beat this for 360 degrees safety.
Rachel Walls
Love this! Would love one. I need a new,waterproof bootle. Mine is very battered looking.
David Gray
Your homemade one might make you look like a manoeuvring construction vehicle.
Do we want to be treated as on-road hazards or is visibility the objective?
Mags
Presumably it doesn’t also hold water – but I don’t carry cold drinks in winter anyway, so it would be a boon for riding at dusk or later.
Bazza
No, officer, I am not a flasher – just a safety-conscious cyclist.
philip
Great for increased side-on visibility – e.g. drivers not looking properly at junctions.
KathyC
So important to carry water when cycling and also to make sure you can be seen. This flashing water bottle is a brilliant idea. I’d love one c
Ema A
Two in one 🚲👏😀
TD
Has a female ever been accused of flashing? Bring it on! 🙂
Les Gunbie
Woop woop
Jennie Parsons
Extra illumination at night is always good; perhaps this would actually catch car drivers attention!
Barry
Brilliant idea for busy night rides and commutes here in Scotland, light My Fire 🔥
Colin
great idea
Judith Rout
Great flasher!
Sheryl Stokes
This looks like a great idea!! Why don’t you do more giveaways like this one on your Instagram account? If I win this, I will do a story and reel and make sure I tag ETA in it. 🚴😊🚨
ROBERT PEEL
great job to have this on my bike
Gordon May
Yes please
ChrisB
I fancy one of these just for the fun of it apart from how useful it will be.
Peter Clark
What an illuminating idea. Does make you visible but I wonder if 360 lighting can confuse as it’s not red or white so not clear whether you are going away or towards the person looking at you. That said, better to be seen, it’s then their problem to work out what’s what and to be wary until they have
Fred
The more visible you are the better
Lonnie
Brighten my nights!
Chris Yeung
The more lights, the better!
Iain Shanks
Bright idea
Chris Johnson
I have a rear-facing bottle cage and so this would be ideal!
Paul S
Relight my tyres
Andy Scudds
Very tempting but I think one that strobes alternate red and blue would be far more noticeable seeing as everyone’s looks out for Team Heat 😉
Craig
Blinking nice prize!!
Fiona McLuckie
This is brilliant. I feel like I am dicing with death every day on my commutes in Winter as drivers simply cannot judge the space in the dark. Where can I buy one if I don’t win this?
Helen
This looks amazing!
Darren C
Perfect for carrying some light refreshment 😊
Gillian
Convenient way of giving a bike 360 degree visibility for all.
Peter Chisnall
Blinding!
Alastair
Looks a great idea, could use it as an emergency light too.
james
will they still hit us if they think we are a tractor.
Raf
I’d be blinkers not to use it!
Jonathan Hunt
Light up my life!
Mark
Very innovative design, which should fit to most decent bikes.
John
Yes please !
Keith
Flash by name, flash by nature!
Chris
Me please! Thanks in advance.
Dave
Lovely stuff