Advocacy & Safety - LightLane Demo

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2009/06/lightlane2.jpg

http://gizmodo.com/5302110/lightlane-virtual-bike-path-to-become-a-reality

Of course we've heard the hoopla about this one - but it just doesn't compare with the sheer hilarity (read = stupidity) of the test video (see 1:32 - 2:04):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOU563OvpUY&feature=player_embedded

Ah yes, there's nothing quite like an expensive LED light that lets the test rider make his own bike lane...in the door zone.

-Kurt

You could just enjoy it for what it is w/o editorializing.

You could just enjoy it for what it is w/o editorializing.
No, I don't think so. See, this is BikeForums, its what we do.

It had better be cheap, because you'll need like 3 or 4 of them for it to be noticable.

I'd rather it draw out lines in a scanning pattern in a 'bike box' to the rear, some kind of semi strobing motion like that over a large area would probably get more attention.

You could just enjoy it for what it is w/o editorializing.

If I did that, I would have to post in another forum section.

-Kurt

Is the laser powerful enough to melt the steel (or at least the tires) of an encroaching vehicle? Because I would totally buy that. :)

The left turn at 2:09 is genius.

Why make it from the far right if the 'bike lane' gets automatically painted from the left if so desired? Too bad it also can't paint the red light green.

It also lets you run red lights! I always thought this was a particularly stupid idea. Since they just used the guts of one of those electronic levels, it is feasible to make. Having seen the video, I still don't think it enhances the cyclist's safety much, if at all. By the time the motorist sees the lines, he's about to hear the thump when he runs over the cyclist.

Having seen the video, I still don't think it enhances the cyclist's safety much, if at all. By the time the motorist sees the lines, he's about to hear the thump when he runs over the cyclist.

Probably would have been better off mounting a PBSF taillight or . I notice the only taillight he had was the dim useless one built into the lightlane.


As for painting a lane on the floor.... I suspect that rather than lasers, a Cree flashlight with a square mask around the beam so it projects a white box of light on the floor behind the bike might be much more visible.

I'll buy one only to see if the cars give you more room when passing. In fact, if it does that, it would be worth the price alone. I'm still waiting for a flag with LED lights.

I'm still waiting for a flag with LED lights.

I don't know about a flag... but I bought two of these Grip-On-Tools LED Vests (http://www.amazon.com/Grip-Tools-Tools-Safety-30282/dp/B000PI3QQW/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1246401954&sr=8-10)for my kids. They are friggin brilliant!

If you can overcome the dork factor enough to wear one, you simply cannot be ignored.

I don't see the point of this. Does it really make you more visible than a regular light?

Hmmmh,
Im thinking this thing is pretty invisible to drivers at useful distances. (especially considering how much more visible your taillight already is).

However! Change the lasers to put out a grid pattern, mount it on the front of the bike, and now I have an awesome pothole detecting topographic gizmo.
Now that would be useful.

it also caused the car trailing it to run the red light. thats a powerful laser

......I bought two of these Grip-On-Tools LED Vests (http://www.amazon.com/Grip-Tools-Tools-Safety-30282/dp/B000PI3QQW/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1246401954&sr=8-10)for my kids. They are friggin brilliant!

If you can overcome the dork factor enough to wear one, you simply cannot be ignored.

Dork factor or not, I have a similar yellow version that gets worn on all my dark winter commutes.

I'm guessing this thing will cost at least as much as a Dinotte, and be about as effective as a PBSF with almost discharged batteries.

I was kinda toying with the idea of getting a "down low glow"

http://rockthebike.com/down-low-glow

As they put it, it makes the bike appear larger. It certainly has the WTF is that? factor. That alone is going to increase your ability to be noticed at night.

I was kinda toying with the idea of getting a "down low glow"

http://rockthebike.com/down-low-glow

As they put it, it makes the bike appear larger. It certainly has the WTF is that? factor. That alone is going to increase your ability to be noticed at night.

I think monkeylectric is brighter and cooler ( and less expensive ):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbTWfOsev9c

That "monkey" thing looks OK (unless it makes a driver seize and plow into a hospital...).

I don't see the point of this.

The point is to separate those who don't know better from a certain portion of their cash...

Awesome, lets distract motorists even more with flashy lights. As if them keeping an eye on traffic and us wasn't enough

I have the L.E.D.reflective vest and the Down Low Glow. Also reflective tape and PBSF on the bike.
I have received many positive comments regarding my visibility. I am thinking about getting a flash flag.
I believe that my choices are/would be more effective than the lightlane.

For what it is worth, vehicles seem to give me more room passing than before I got the DLG.

Hmmm a bit pointless for the reasons already mentioned. At the very basic level the light itself needs to be brighter. How is the laser going to help a car know where the "lane" is unless the driver sticks his head out of the window when passing?

IT should project a sharrow. Right now it makes the bike look like it has contrails

Awesome, lets distract motorists even more with flashy lights. As if them keeping an eye on traffic and us wasn't enough

While I doubt this thing is worth 10 cents, I wholly disagree with your comments.

It is hardly a distraction of motorists to make yourself more noticed... distraction is where they are NOT watching you... Also you want motorists keeping an eye on "traffic?" What is a cyclist on the road, if not traffic?

Light me up like a Christmas tree if it will help me be seen by motorists distracted by all their non traffic "toys," such as DVD players, MP3 players, in car games, cell phones, GPS, even hamburgers, books, and/or putting on makeup.