Advocacy & Safety - Bicycle phone holder A2 Project

Hi, i'm an A2 Product design student just starting my major project. I have proposed to design and prototype a mobile phone holder/ cradle similar to that available for motorists. This would allow people to take calls using a handsfree kit whilst cycling.

The cradle would hold the mobile on the handlebars allowing the cyclist to answer the call without being distracted/ dangerously wrestling through pockets to answer the phone or having the need to pull over.
I have also been thinking about adding in an additional charging circuit to allow bicycle tourers to keep a charged battery.

The holder will allow the cyclist to answer the phone using one hand (to ensure control of the bike) and will not obstruct any vital equipment such as brake or gear levers.

Any suggestions towards my project and how useful people believe the product will be will be greatly appreciated.

Do you believe that aesthetics aswell as function is important???

Many thanks, Tom Bristow

Hi,
A cell phone on a bike, I got one. It's just for emergencies so I keep it in a hard shell case in my panniers. Someone like Lance wears his clipped to
his shorts and wears earbuds. He hates phone calls while riding, sometimes being a millionaire sucks. Which brings me to my thought. You couldn't use your idea while riding. And stopping to use the phone is a drag. I think I'd rather throw it into a pocket.
Less likely to lose or forget it.

"...allowing the cyclist to answer the call without being distracted...." A faulty premise. And if you look a bit about this forum, you will find a recent discussion of the merits of using a phone while cycling. Your device would meet with a decidedly mixed reaction.

Tom, you'd better put on your flame suit :D.

Various studies have not supported your claim that a hands-free kit would allow "the cyclist to answer the call without being distracted... or having the need to pull over". The physical aspects of answering a call are just part of the distraction. I don't think you can have a phone conversation AND safely operate any kind of vehicle simultaneously. Also, the law in many places requires the vehicle operator to stop while taking a call, hands-free or not.

That said, I would still think it would be easier to stop and answer the call if the phone was readily available the way you described it. Would have to use a Bluetooth earplug/mic kit, though, as I don't think being attached to a bike while riding is a good idea (apart from clipless pedals IMO).

Some issues you may need to think about: making the cradle waterproof, sheltering the phone from vibration and shocks. I think the battery charging equipment already exists.

--J

its a good idea a phone cradel on the bike i think despite comments from other people. I know when i was riding to meet up with someone to catch a train somewhere, i needed to use my phone to contact them on the trip without stopping. The cradel would be a great idea, but not to be used to regulary on rides. It depends where your riding aswell, if it will distract you or not. On a busy road not good, but on smaller streets better.

In answer to your questions:
-definatley water proof
- i'm not sure about the recharger though, i dont think you will be using the phone for that much time that it would need a recharge, hopefully not anyway.

What would the cradel look like, keeping in mind all phones are different shapes and sizes, how will it be attached.

Any photos, drawing or diagrams would be great if this goes ahead!

Hope this Helps :)

Hi, i'm an A2 Product design student just starting my major project. I have proposed to design and prototype a mobile phone holder/ cradle similar to that available for motorists. This would allow people to take calls using a handsfree kit whilst cycling.

The cradle would hold the mobile on the handlebars allowing the cyclist to answer the call without being distracted/ dangerously wrestling through pockets to answer the phone or having the need to pull over.

Many thanks, Tom Bristow

My handlebars on my road bike are already pretty full.

Computer, HRM, and I need the rest of the space for my hands when I "ride the bars" with my hands on the spaces between the stem and the hoods. I haven't a clue as to where you would fit in a cell phone.

Besides, I wouldn't use it. I keep my cell phone in a pocket of my wedge, and always stop before answering. A device has to be "sellable" to be functional.

(Why did you choose such tiny type for your post? Just curious???

Is there time to change your project? There's a lot of people asking about a handlebar canera mount....

And what about the cord from the phone to the cradle? I would be concerned that it could get in the way.

Hi, i'm an A2 Product design student just starting my major project. I have proposed to design and prototype a mobile phone holder/ cradle similar to that available for motorists. This would allow people to take calls using a handsfree kit whilst cycling.

The cradle would hold the mobile on the handlebars allowing the cyclist to answer the call without being distracted/ dangerously wrestling through pockets to answer the phone or having the need to pull over.
I have also been thinking about adding in an additional charging circuit to allow bicycle tourers to keep a charged battery.

The holder will allow the cyclist to answer the phone using one hand (to ensure control of the bike) and will not obstruct any vital equipment such as brake or gear levers.

Any suggestions towards my project and how useful people believe the product will be will be greatly appreciated.

Do you believe that aesthetics aswell as function is important???

Many thanks, Tom Bristow

Suggestions?

Stop.

Why not develop something that is wireless? Whoops, we already have that. It's that Bluetooth technology, right?

Anytime a cyclist has to take a hand off the bike, there's a risk. There are definitely some that can balance with no hands, but for the majority of cyclists who can't, it's not worth the risk. Why encourage something that's seen as dangerous (not to mention, downright silly)?

I agree with the other poster, how about a mount for cameras?

Koffee

Suggestions?

Stop.

Why not develop something that is wireless? Whoops, we already have that. It's that Bluetooth technology, right?

Anytime a cyclist has to take a hand off the bike, there's a risk. There are definitely some that can balance with no hands, but for the majority of cyclists who can't, it's not worth the risk. Why encourage something that's seen as dangerous (not to mention, downright silly)?

I agree with the other poster, how about a mount for cameras?

Koffee

Koffee what is PM? I would like to register.

Koffee what is PM? I would like to register.You're already registered. PM = Private Message

Ummmmm, doesn't Topeak market a handlebar mounted cell/com unit holder?

http://www.topeak.com/2004/products/bag_phone_lead.html

Call me old fashioned but I remember a simpler time when you didn't need or want a phone all the time. I say put the phone in your bag for emergencies or leave the dang thing home. You do not have to be connected to every thing 24/7. I managed to get through 40 years of my life without one of those silly things. That included bike trips in rural areas, backpacking trips, camping trips, and day hikes, you can survive without them you know. I have had one for a few years now and have never answered it while I am riding.

Haha, a cell phone mount for a bike, eh? I hope your teacher isn't a cyclist because you might get laughed out of class. That's pretty funny. It wouldn't work. Even if there were a hands free device yadda yadda. The wind noise would kill the sound from both you and the person on the other end. There really is not a way around that unless you use some sort of processor to cut out wind noise; in effect killing sound quality as well. I don't even answer the phone while I am riding. I keep it in my camelbak and if it rings, I will pull over about twenty minutes later to see what's up. If it rings a few times? Then I will pull over and check it out. Sillyness, if you ask me. In fact, why not a mobile mount for PDA's so you can surf the web while riding. >_<

A better project would be a wireless transparent HUD for your helmet. That would rock. I was thinking of doing something like that with a wireless computer if only I could get the focal distances and whatnot right.

OTOH: Call me new fashioned but I like having a cell phone. It's actually my primary phone # now, I don't even use the landline anymore.

Koffee what is PM? I would like to register.

Click on Koffee's name, a menu will pop up; then click 'send a private message to...'

Well I hate to say this but I agree. Stop. Waste of time.
Here in the UK, using a hand held mobile is illegal. The once or twice I have tried to use my mobile on the beach the wind noise made it near impossible for my contact to make me out, so will it work any better at speed on a bike? I doubt it.
Not to mention the safety aspect.
Non starter as a viable project.

Personally I have used my hands free headset with decent results while riding. I don't do it often, just when I need to ride and expecting an important call. Wind isn't an issue if the ear peice fits in your ear canal.

yes but if you had a headset it would work fine. In fact it wouldn't disctract you at all, and you wouldn't have to stop to talk, and there would be no wind interference. And for all those people saying 'hahaha, why dont you put pagers on it for the internet ect.' That is a pretty stupid idea, and a phone isn't a pager btw. It would be used for talking by any sensible person and not for playing games or texting people, and if you were a busy person it would be great to have on lunch break rides ect.

I really do not see what is wrong with that.

And what about the cord from the phone to the cradle? I would be concerned that it could get in the way.

I dont think it would get in the way if your only using it for a 2 min call?

Haha, a cell phone mount for a bike, eh? I hope your teacher isn't a cyclist because you might get laughed out of class. That's pretty funny. It wouldn't work. Even if there were a hands free device yadda yadda. The wind noise would kill the sound from both you and the person on the other end. There really is not a way around that unless you use some sort of processor to cut out wind noise; in effect killing sound quality as well. I don't even answer the phone while I am riding. I keep it in my camelbak and if it rings, I will pull over about twenty minutes later to see what's up. If it rings a few times? Then I will pull over and check it out. Sillyness, if you ask me. In fact, why not a mobile mount for PDA's so you can surf the web while riding. >_<

1. Headset, no wind interference ok.

2. Busy people who ride would benifit from this.

3. Surf the web, dont change the subject, we're talking about a PHONE ok. Talking thats all. NO pushing buttons, nothing, its as easy as getting your water bottle out and having a drink.

Well,
this may be a repeat, but it appears to be relevant. Lance rides with a cellphone at times. I am pretty sure he doesn't stop when he takes a call.

As an idea this sucks. Somebody like Lance can get away with it because he's a professional. Even so, he hates to do it.
It takes some of his concentration away from riding. Riding is sufficiently risky to begin without significant amounts of new risk to the equation.

The next problem I have with this idea is that tethering yourself to the bike is a bad idea; and a violation of a basic cycyling principle of safety. You don't have to remind me about pedals.

IMHO, nobody wants to talk with you bad enough they want to put your life at risk to do it. Nobody wants to hear you die. Turn the damn thing off and ride.

I dont think it would get in the way if your only using it for a 2 min call?

I really do not see what is wrong with that.

Busy people who ride would benifit from this.



All the statements above are sad commentaries on our current society.

"Busy people" are the ones MOST in need of getting away from the world and their cell phone to take a ride where they can get their mind off of their supposed "busyness."

How "tethered" we are to our electronic alter-egos! How absolutely moritifying.

One thing that everyone seems to be forgetting, is that this would be illegal in most states!!!

I Know for a fact that wearing any kind of "headset" in florida is against the law!!!!

Wearing of headsets
(Section 316.304, F.S.)
A cyclist may not wear a headset, headphone or listening device, other than a hearing aid, while riding.

sorry dude.

All the statements above are sad commentaries on our current society.

"Busy people" are the ones MOST in need of getting away from the world and their cell phone to take a ride where they can get their mind off of their supposed "busyness."

How "tethered" we are to our electronic alter-egos! How absolutely moritifying.

I'm sure you speak for every single rider in the world. Well i'm SURE that there are a lot of people who would benifit from this. << thats a fullstop btw

Okay... I'm going to leave my personal opinions aside. I would however say that I'd be more likely to use such a holster for a handheld GPS receiver rather than phone. Make it stem mounted as handlebar real-estate is already scarce for most people. Also, if you want, feel free to pick up (read: steal) my half-baked idea for a helmet cam (http://journals.neebu.net/khuon/archives/000202.html) integrated via a BAN (Bike Area Network) to the computer and a helmet mounted display in the visor.

Okay... I'm going to leave my personal opinions aside. I would however say that I'd be more likely to use such a holster for a handheld GPS receiver rather than phone. Make it stem mounted as handlebar real-estate is already scarce for most people. Also, if you want, feel free to pick up (read: steal) my half-baked idea for a helmet cam (http://journals.neebu.net/khuon/archives/000202.html) integrated via a BAN (Bike Area Network) to the computer and a helmet mounted display in the visor.

BAN, lol. I agree, i would also like to see better camera mounts for bikes and gps would be great too. My handle bars would run out of space!

In fact i wouldn't use a phone holder that much, its just that some people would benifit from the holder also, thats what i've been trying to say to other people in the forum :)

I see people with radios mounted on their handlebars. So why not incorporate a battery powered amplifier in the holder so the user doesnt have to be attached to the phone by a wire. I wouldnt want this, but the busy people who have radios mounted on their bikes might.

There's also the Siemens Bike-O-Meter (http://www.siemens-mobile.com/cds/frontdoor/0,2241,hq_en_0_27444_rArNrNrNrN,00.html) :)

http://www.siemens-mobile.com/repository/603/60361/bom_smallportlet.jpg

All the statements above are sad commentaries on our current society.

"Busy people" are the ones MOST in need of getting away from the world and their cell phone to take a ride where they can get their mind off of their supposed "busyness."

How "tethered" we are to our electronic alter-egos! How absolutely moritifying.

When I was a working man and on call, a cell phone allowed me to ride instead of stay home. I guess you could say that an electronic device set me free!

.

When I was a working man and on call, a cell phone allowed me to ride instead of stay home. I guess you could say that an electronic device set me free!

I was once held by a security guard for a school prank back in the 80's when they had those huge brick sized cell phones. Anyway when he put it down, I took it and smashed it over his head and ran. I guess you can also say, the cell phone also set me free! :)

BAN, lol. I agree, i would also like to see better camera mounts for bikes and gps would be great too. My handle bars would run out of space!

Garmin has handle bar mounts for bikes already.

http://shop.garmin.com/accessory.jsp?sku=010%2D10267%2D00

I agree with camera mounts it would be nice to be able to mount a digital(non video) camera to your bike or helmet.

Evening all...again. Thanks everyone for the responses it's been pretty vital to the way i think about marketing this thing (theoretically of course) and has helped with my research.

I've looked into the legalities of this and in the UK it is perfectly legal to cycle whilst on the telephone (but not when driving a car =S). To the confused people who invisage a mass of cables joining the phone to some monstrosity on the bike, i was proposing a minimalist cradle / clasp to which a phone could connect. This could be connected to the cross bar (underneath the stem and off of the bars for those with crowded bars) or to the handlebar itself. Wireless (bluetooth) headsets could still be used but the fuss of pulling over to press the green answer call button would be eradicated by the means of being able to reach the telephone. The call could then be taken via earpiece and ended easily without having to touch the phone or remove a hand from the bars for more than a second.

The charging circuit from a dynamo would work fine with no noise, all that would be needed is a form of suppressor as used on a car alternator to prevent whine....if this is implemented that is

Im too far into this project to head back lol...so i guess its being made anyway and ill invent a target market lol =P, it's feasible in the uk... even if florida don't like headsets =oD.

Thankyou once again all for the responses,

Tom

I go riding so I DON'T have to talk on the phone!

Although I take a mobile phone with me in case of an emergency, it always stays in my saddlebag. If I hear the phone ringing, I usually wait until I get to a safe place, get off the bike, then check to see who called.

Most of my outgoing calls are to my police friends... to report drunk drivers, abandoned cars, drug dealers, etc.

I would be afraid to ride on the streets of Myrtle Beach while talking on the phone. It's already dangerous enough with all the drunk tourists and golfers. Why add one more distraction to the mix?

I've used handsfree on a bike: it's useless, totally washed out by wind and traffic noise. That's why messengers just have a radio on their bag strap and yell into it ;)

The charger and the cradle are already on the market. I have seen both on the internet. Bad idea anyway.

http://www.ikonglobal.com/

Here is the charger.

http://web-japan.org/trends00/honbun/tj991108.html

more info on the charger

http://www.csleeve.com/bikeshop/

found this too.

can't find the cradle tonight. It's illegal anyway in most places to wear a headphone while cycling.

One thing that everyone seems to be forgetting, is that this would be illegal in most states!!!

I Know for a fact that wearing any kind of "headset" in florida is against the law!!!!

Wearing of headsets
(Section 316.304, F.S.)
A cyclist may not wear a headset, headphone or listening device, other than a hearing aid, while riding.
sorry dude.

Bravo!!! Additionally, note that the paragraph of this statute is .304 not .2065. .2065 is bicycle specific traffic laws. Even though Para. .304 says "a cyclist ...", it should apply to ALL vehicle operators which includes motor vehicle operators. Ever see car drivers in Florida wearing headsets, headphones, or ear plugs? Yep. Ever see any get cited for violate this traffic law? nope!
tippy

I don't own a cell phone. (but work/live in an enviroment where it is standard)

Some folks are rightly commenting on danger of phone on bike, ear buds, etc.

No one should use a phone while riding in city traffic

But did want to point out that some folks ride bikes on pleasant backcountry paths where the reduction in attention is really not a big deal. (Ever try to see how long you can ride with your eyes closed?)

Al

Hm, modern phones hold enough charge not to need recharging on a regular ride, so a charger is a touring accessory. Personally I'd use a small solar panel (available on the good old internets) and save the drag.

Good design meets existing needs.

Garmin has handle bar mounts for bikes already.
http://shop.garmin.com/accessory.jsp?sku=010%2D10267%2D00 ...

My experience with these mounts have been with a Garmin GPS V (rather bulky compared to other GPS rcvrs). The mount has a weak point. The mount half that mounts to the handle bar is OK. The mount half that mounts to the rcvr is OK. The interface between the two halves suck. A tiny plastic tab has to interlock with a tiny bump on the other half. If you take a small bump on your bike, you will eject your $300+ rcvr into the ditch. A rcvr with less mass helps (ex: Garmin Forerunner, etc.) but the mount is still weak. The half that mounts to the handlebar seems to be a universal Garmin mount. The rcvr clip changes for each rcvr.

So if you were designing a mount, duplicate Garmins style and then make it better.

Thanks,
tippy

Well I don't know what these guys are being all negative for.. I'm on here looking for such a device to buy! I want it for my phone to go in that runs tomtom mobile5 on. The receiver is cool in my back stash but i need a lightweight cradle that fits to the bars. Keep at it , and good luck with the project.

Well I don't know what these guys are being all negative for.. I'm on here looking for such a device to buy! I want it for my phone to go in that runs tomtom mobile5 on. The receiver is cool in my back stash but i need a lightweight cradle that fits to the bars. Keep at it , and good luck with the project.

Trying to make a bussiness and sell a product that is illegal in most places is just a waste of money. Because one person wants one does not make a market need.

I design cell phones for a living... And frankly I don't want to see anything like this. The world of cycling on the streets already has too many potential hazards, cell phone use by cyclists would only compound the cyclists' list of hazards.

Frankly when I ride, my cell phone is well packed away in a small pouch under my saddle. If it rings, I don't hear it due to the wind in my ears... and frankly I wouldn't answer it anyway.

My cell phone is a smart device... it'll take a message.

I design cell phones for a living... And frankly I don't want to see anything like this. The world of cycling on the streets already has too many potential hazards, cell phone use by cyclists would only compound the cyclists' list of hazards.

Frankly when I ride, my cell phone is well packed away in a small pouch under my saddle. If it rings, I don't hear it due to the wind in my ears... and frankly I wouldn't answer it anyway.

My cell phone is a smart device... it'll take a message.

:beer: Some day it maybe illegal. Let's hope.

Trying to make a bussiness and sell a product that is illegal in most places is just a waste of money. Because one person wants one does not make a market need.




Chill out. its only a college project! and I still need one for my tomtom!

Holy crap! It's another thread from the dead!