Commuting - Anyone know who makes Signal lights?

i was thinking... is there a manufacturer out there that makes the signal lights for the bike? U know like the signal lights on ur car?

i was thinking... is there a manufacturer out there that makes the signal lights for the bike? U know like the signal lights on ur car?

Maybe a clever way to rig a motorcycle light-system ~ or a way to mirror that?

It shouldn't build one two small LED blinkies and a pair of switches rigged to the handlebars...

It has been done many times over the years and the general consensus has always been:

1. The seperation on the typical bike is not sufficent to provide adequate visual signal.

2. Motorists are not accustomed to looking for turn signals on a bike.

3. The complexity/weight trade off is not favorable.

4. Hand signals are a viable system for cyclists.

Amazingly, a search on Google for "turn signal lights bicycle" (with out the quotes) turns up several sources for the signals. Google is your friend.

Paul

check out www.funsourcellc.com. I have never seen these in a shop or on a bike, but they are there.

humm... i was thinking about something along this line. perhaps it's not that hard to make one, just have to find the right parts i guess.

as for mounting it... you can mount it on the end of your handle bars, or if you have a rear rack, you can mount it on there as well. besides, if the LED lights has a shape of an Aarow and is amber, i am sure the drivers will see it.

they used to sell them at walmart when i was little. ... ... i think puting blinkers on yer hands would be better.

they used to sell them at walmart when i was little. ... ... i think puting blinkers on yer hands would be better.

as a matter of fact, i remembered seeing them in walmart before. on of my dad's friend sells those LED in Taiwan. perhaps I should ask him if they made those or not. :rolleyes:

It has been done many times over the years and the general consensus has always been:

1. The seperation on the typical bike is not sufficent to provide adequate visual signal.

2. Motorists are not accustomed to looking for turn signals on a bike.

3. The complexity/weight trade off is not favorable.

4. Hand signals are a viable system for cyclists.

Amazingly, a search on Google for "turn signal lights bicycle" (with out the quotes) turns up several sources for the signals. Google is your friend.

Paul

Differing on most points. LEDs are light and can be large enough to run on trailers or whatever. As I'm traveling a decent, I need to signal much longer than can be done by hand. In rush hour, same...to get the drivers to see me sooner.

I need front and rear signals, brake and running lights all one one circuit cuz my Cl*pBrite Euro clip broke in a bad spot so please post alternatives??..

Maybe a clever way to rig a motorcycle light-system ~ or a way to mirror that?

I'm thinking if a left mirror and right mirror could be mounted on each handle bar with an LED FACING oncoming traffic this may be suitable. Like some of the new cars? Don't know where to get that. When I ask at the auto store...they smile and know I'm blond. :D

-V

I'm thinking if a left mirror and right mirror could be mounted on each handle bar with an LED FACING oncoming traffic this may be suitable. Like some of the new cars? Don't know where to get that. When I ask at the auto store...they smile and know I'm blond. :D

-V

V, i too have thought about that. before i got into biking, i was heavily into modding cars. they sell some LED arrow pointers that you an stick onto the mirrors of your car and powered by a 12V. now, i can probably get that to fit on those small bike mirrors.. but would have to think of how to make the trigger and how to get it powered.

i was thinking... is there a manufacturer out there that makes the signal lights for the bike? U know like the signal lights on ur car?

They sold them like 25 years ago

They sold them like 25 years ago

25 yrs ago? well, time to bring them back to life then... hehehe :D

If you look at motorcycles, there is something like 50 cm (18-20 inches) between the centre line and each of the turn signals. To get something where both directions are easily identified, you would need to get both flashers ON dimly and the one which actually flashes go bright. Even with LEDs, that's a lot of battery power and a lot of wiring needed.

I think that with proper on-bike training and a well-fitted bicycle, one is able to signal in most situations with one's arm. BTW, I operate my front brake with the right hand and find it quite easy to brake and signal at the same time, even (especially) on a bike with drop bars. At night, a couple of reflective bands on the wrists should solve the problem of nighttime visibility.

Regards,

If you look at motorcycles, there is something like 50 cm (18-20 inches) between the centre line and each of the turn signals. To get something where both directions are easily identified, you would need to get both flashers ON dimly and the one which actually flashes go bright. Even with LEDs, that's a lot of battery power and a lot of wiring needed.

I think that with proper on-bike training and a well-fitted bicycle, one is able to signal in most situations with one's arm. BTW, I operate my front brake with the right hand and find it quite easy to brake and signal at the same time, even (especially) on a bike with drop bars. At night, a couple of reflective bands on the wrists should solve the problem of nighttime visibility.

Regards,

true... u can signal with your arm. the funny thing i found is when i tried to do that... the drivers here has no idea what you are doing and then they just continue to drive... go figure :eek:

true... u can signal with your arm. the funny thing i found is when i tried to do that... the drivers here has no idea what you are doing and then they just continue to drive... go figure :eek:

Same situation here! Is that not pathetic?!?!? They don't even know the basic arm traffic signals. I have had people to wave at me thinking that I had waved at them. I will be like :rolleyes: !

Same situation here! Is that not pathetic?!?!? They don't even know the basic arm traffic signals. I have had people to wave at me thinking that I had waved at them. I will be like :rolleyes: !

:werd: totally agree on that one! most of the time, they really do think ur waving at them. :rolleyes: i mean.. when i took my driver's license test 10 yrs ago... i remember seeing the arm signals for cyclist in the booklet. i guess either DMV took that out or those people didn't get tested on that one. :eek:

V, i too have thought about that. before i got into biking, i was heavily into modding cars. they sell some LED arrow pointers that you an stick onto the mirrors of your car and powered by a 12V. now, i can probably get that to fit on those small bike mirrors.. but would have to think of how to make the trigger and how to get it powered.

You'd almost need a switch on each handle bar. When turning left, hit the left turn. Right, hit the right turn switch. But the front and back would need to be wired together. And you'd have to turn them off after you come out of the turn.

-V

You'd almost need a switch on each handle bar. When turning left, hit the left turn. Right, hit the right turn switch. But the front and back would need to be wired together. And you'd have to turn them off after you come out of the turn.

-V

the switch part isn't too hard. the wiring should be fine as well. just the power source is what I'm thinking about. I would need enough juice to power both front and rear.

the switch part isn't too hard. the wiring should be fine as well. just the power source is what I'm thinking about. I would need enough juice to power both front and rear.

Well the switch would need a timer in it to turn the light on and off. Which one were you thinking about?

Here are the lights I'm considering (not doing anything for at least a month due to Spring-Honey-Do projects) http://www.brakelite.com/page4.html Some take 6V or others AA batteries. I have a 18V battery and am not sure how to regulate the voltage so the lights don't burn out.

Well the switch would need a timer in it to turn the light on and off. Which one were you thinking about?

Here are the lights I'm considering (not doing anything for at least a month due to Spring-Honey-Do projects) http://www.brakelite.com/page4.html Some take 6V or others AA batteries. I have a 18V battery and am not sure how to regulate the voltage so the lights don't burn out.

i probably wouldn't be planning on using any timer switch of that sort. i would just use some switches that i normally use for interior decor for the car. radio shack sells those button type switch that allows you to control the on/off feature with a push of a button. they are pretty small and thus easy to mount, but will have to fab up some mounts first.

i've been pretty swamped at work lately.. wish i had some Honey Do list.. lol. but i'll think of something.. and then perhaps write up a DIY for it. :p

They sell these on ebay.com.au and will post to usa and europe
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=7295&item=3669621684
I have a couple of set coming to play with one, set is going on an electric bike the other one I will think about. They seem to be getting dearer at each auction one of mine was only $5 !

They sell these on ebay.com.au and will post to usa and europe
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=7295&item=3669621684
I have a couple of set coming to play with one, set is going on an electric bike the other one I will think about. They seem to be getting dearer at each auction one of mine was only $5 !

What they *don't* show in the picture is how the plug sits at the back of this light (and has the electrodes that control the signals to the lights). If this one is designed like the Cl*pBr*te, the weight of the light causes the light to bounce out of it's bracket. You can use a rubberband to hold the light against it's own bracket, but as the band stretches out, the lights tend to "turn on" or give incorrect signals at the wrong times (like when you go over a bump).

If you're runs better than mine, will you post the company who made it?

No worries will post when They showup.

No worries will post when They showup.

that's actually pretty nice except that the lights are so close together. that would mean that it's not going to be too easy for drivers to see it. also, this unit will be nice if you mounted on the back of your rear rack.

plus from what i remembered of seeing that unit online.. there are 4 buttons on the control console...
1- on/off
2- left light
3- right light
4- stop light

so if you panic.. what if you end up pushing the wrong buttons? well, geebee.. let us know how it works out for you. thanks!

rui

that's actually pretty nice
so if you panic.. what if you end up pushing the wrong buttons? well, geebee.. let us know how it works out for you. thanks!

rui

The drivers seemed to understand the signalling. But with a winter glove, on a decent and making a left turn, you must look down and carefully move the switch to the left. That part's takes a little learning..but to cancel when you come out of the turn it's too easy to push the switch all of the way to the right (falsely indicating that you'll be now turning right).

But maybe for other people who are just traveling on the flats this would be OK?

Received the indicator/brake/tail lights 2 days ago, they are not to shabby, no rear connector as they are hardwired, handle bar switch assy. is 2 slide switches one for tail light the other for the indicators, also 2 led's to show indicator direction, brake switch fits in the brake line very easily. Slide switches look cheap (but if they failed would be easily and cheaply replaced) and would be hard to switch through gloves without prehaps gluing on some non skid material(although quite ok without gloves) .
Tail light is only 1 led although of a night quite bright (have already fitted 2 more in 1 of the lights:) ) brake lights very bright, Indicators have a very short on time as they flash but incredibly bright for led's.
I was impressed enough to replace my road bikes rear blinky with one of them, they look very neat fitted.
They are XINGCHENG brand model XC-400A
At night they would definatly be superior to arm signals as the center tail light clearly shows seperation and the indicators are bl--dy bright.

Received the indicator/brake/tail lights 2 days ago, they are not to shabby, no rear connector as they are hardwired, handle bar switch assy. is 2 slide switches one for tail light the other for the indicators, also 2 led's to show indicator direction, brake switch fits in the brake line very easily. Slide switches look cheap (but if they failed would be easily and cheaply replaced) and would be hard to switch through gloves without prehaps gluing on some non skid material(although quite ok without gloves) .
Tail light is only 1 led although of a night quite bright (have already fitted 2 more in 1 of the lights:) ) brake lights very bright, Indicators have a very short on time as they flash but incredibly bright for led's.
I was impressed enough to replace my road bikes rear blinky with one of them, they look very neat fitted.
They are XINGCHENG brand model XC-400A
At night they would definatly be superior to arm signals as the center tail light clearly shows seperation and the indicators are bl--dy bright.

geebee.. so did you mod the signal light and added on an additional LED in the signal light portion? do you have night time pics of it?

rui :p

I just put 2 more led's in the tail light (the one thats always on of a night) I had them laying around from another project.I'll try and get some pic's tonight.

I just put 2 more led's in the tail light (the one thats always on of a night) I had them laying around from another project.I'll try and get some pic's tonight.

cool thanks geebee...!!! ;)

rui :P

Slide switches look cheap (but if they failed would be easily and cheaply replaced)

My slide switches slid off and won't stay connected :(...what sort of connector should I replace it with?

I just put 2 more led's in the tail light (the one thats always on of a night) I had them laying around from another project.I'll try and get some pic's tonight.

Hopefully attached is the photo, the bottom right shot is the single led tail light, next to that is the modded triple led tail light with indicator on but it doesn't show true brightness of indicator, above that is the brake light, and above that is the brake switch, brake light works even if tail light is off and is bright enough for daytime use.
The unit looks real nice if you can mount it directly under the seat almost looks moulded in.

Hopefully attached is the photo, the bottom right shot is the single led tail light, next to that is the modded triple led tail light with indicator on but it doesn't show true brightness of indicator, above that is the brake light, and above that is the brake switch (brake light works even if tail light is off and is bright enough for daytime use.

Would the brake-line connector/switch work with disc brakes?

Hopefully attached is the photo, the bottom right shot is the single led tail light, next to that is the modded triple led tail light with indicator on but it doesn't show true brightness of indicator, above that is the brake light, and above that is the brake switch, brake light works even if tail light is off and is bright enough for daytime use.
The unit looks real nice if you can mount it directly under the seat almost looks moulded in.

geebee.. that looks awesome!

Vrkelly do you mean the wiring connection came off? If so the cheapest and easiest way is to hardwire the switches directly to the wiring loom.
L-Dawg don't know never had disc, could possibly rig the switch into the brake handle assy.?

i probably wouldn't be planning on using any timer switch of that sort. i would just use some switches that i normally use for interior decor for the car. radio shack sells those button type switch that allows you to control the on/off feature with a push of a button. they are pretty small and thus easy to mount, but will have to fab up some mounts first.

i've been pretty swamped at work lately.. wish i had some Honey Do list.. lol. but i'll think of something.. and then perhaps write up a DIY for it. :p

I'd recommend using momentary throw pushbutton switches -- hold the button while turning and simply let go when you're done

i was thinking... is there a manufacturer out there that makes the signal lights for the bike? U know like the signal lights on ur car?

I think using small mini - magnetic LEDS is the way to go.

you find these as givaways to carnivals. they are smaller than a dime, have a strong magnet, attach pretty much to anything, weigh nothing and are bright as hell.

PLace one on each cycling glove, then use hand signals as normal - the constant flashing my drive you crazy while riding, but just put them on the other side of your glove and signal with teh palm side of your hand.

http://www.bwild.com/3in1magledli.html

ed

Edk they may interfere with your riding a bit, as they are about 1 cm tall (to allow for the batteries) battery life (at full brightness) would be pretty short as they use mutiple watch style batteries.
But they are fun to play with :)