The rule
of thumb for cycling at night, whether you are exercising or commuting, is
making your presence more visible to those who are also sharing the road. And
in this case the more lights on the cyclists, the better. And we manage to get some gadgets that can
potentially keeper you safer in low light conditions.
Zackees
Turn Signal Gloves
Many
bike-involving accidents occur because cyclists switch lane or take a turn
outside the rear drivers’ expectation, especially on dark roads. Zackees Turn
Signal Gloves are built with a pair of giant flashing arrows on the back of
each hand to signal turning. Two thin metal plates between thumb and forefinger
triggers the flashing arrow when clicking together, and alert the vehicles
behind you that you are making a turn. All you are doing is lift up your arm
and press the plates together. Nine ultra-bright LEDs will work together to
flash up the turning arrow. And the
gloves can also be used to notify front approaching vehicles when you are
turning at an intersection. Skaters and runners may also find the gloves useful
in low light conditions.
Lumos
Helmet
The Lumos
Helmet is integrated with super bright white LEDs in the front and solid red
LEDs in the back to ensure you stand out on the road. Triangular shape of the
back lights help others gauge their distance from you better. Turn signals are
also in place and can be activated by clicking the L/R buttons installed on the
handle, which can also track you speed and automatically warns behind vehicles
if the bike is slowing down.
Noxgear
illuminated and reflective vest
The light
weight vest maximize your visibility in the dark by being illuminated and
reflective with multi-color LEDs. It is designed to catch attention of the
distracted drivers with software-controlled 360 illumination modes that combine
flash, strobe and blink modulation across a range of colors.
Aster
cycling backpack
Indiegogo-featured Aster cycling backpack is a great idea that incorporates safety
measures for cyclists riding in the dark. As the company says on the website,
“Aster’s rear and profile lights make you visible to motorists
from all sides, front lights signal your presence in rear-view
mirrors and automatic brake lights help you avoid getting
rear-ended. Integrated turn signals make sure that drivers around you
know when you’re making a turn. With a USB-rechargeable 4,000 mAh in-built
battery, Aster can light up 10-15 hours of your commute under normal
conditions”. Yet, the product seems to bear the same problem that’s been plaguing many crowdfunding campaigns: delivery.