Dear All,
I am currently in the process of designing a new bike signalling system. I was wondering if anyone has any comments/ideas on this, with any possible requirements, downsides etc etc. Thank you for being part of my research.
Regards,
Charlie
Charlie, if you HAVE to design a new bike signalling system you need to know the obvious drawbacks of implementing a conventional indicator system from a vehicle to a bicycle (note: not saying bicycles aren't vehicles.)
The most obvious drawback which others have said is that "No one bothers to look for them" I,e, no one bothers to look at indicators on bicycles. However, That is true and false at the same time; No one has created a significant enough signalling system that can safely grab the attention of drivers, who are
Not looking for indicators on bicycles.
The reason being, when you create a signalling system for cyclists, it must not be hefty or impede any cycling ability. That fundamental requirement restricts 'Size', 'Weight & Power' of the signalling system.
The 'Size' issue is best reflected on current models of indicators that attach to the bike VIA The seat post, facing backward, they are smaller width than the saddle as to not impede pedalling, that lack of width and being so central to the rider means it's incredibly hard for an unaware driver to distinguish a directional change between Left & Right, -- since you're not indicating by lighting up the left/right-side of your bicycle, you're indicating by lighting the left/right-side of the centre line of your bicycle. to compensate for this, these indicators typically use Arrows Like in the picture below,
Which is an issue because Drivers Are Not Looking For Arrows & Even so, it's not indicative enough of the direction of intended travel.
The 'Weight & Power' Issue, ties in with all variety of indicator systems that do not attach to bicycles, but rather your clothing or even your helmet.
This is too various and general to get into as a discussion here, but alot of it is common sense.
You wouldn't integrate a heavy, powerful signalling system into a bicycle helmet .. as it'd impede both helmet structural safety and stress on your neck, etc.
So take common sense and it'll get you far.
That said, here's some other tips I want to share with you, if you choose to pursue indicators on bicycles.
The best indicating system is one that can actually mimic car indicators best, as that's what drivers will recognise for, even when they're not looking for them.
... Which'd be furthest left / right of the bicycle as possible. (these are MTB/Hybrid handlebar-end indicators as you see in the picture)
But, for Road Bikes & their drop bars, this type of indicator becomes trickier. (which is where people turned to putting indicators on left/right parts of your clothing.)
But with this type of indicator, you wouldn't need to create 'Arrows' like on the first picture, so you can utilise the Whole LED unit to create a huge blinking light.
Sticking with copying cars, you can't put indicators like that on say, the sides of the rear wheel dropout, or sides of the front fork, as it wouldn't be visible from the front / rear.. It must cover all angles.
Which'd leave only two places left to put an indicator that'd cover MTBs, Hybrids & Road Bikes, Your pedals, which, is hard because of the 'abuse' pedals go through, but it is very possible to store significant battery / led power around the pedal axle and have LEDs facing both behind, forward & the sides.
The only issue with that, other than creating a robust design, is they will be subject to alot of dirt & debris that might block view of the LEDs.
The last place being your clothes, anywhere else on the bicycle would require alot more work than would be profitable.
In all cases, I hope you find whatever you're looking for, Have Fun & Enjoy your projects.
