Advocacy & Safety - Decent Warning Device?

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Foggini
10-14-12, 12:37 PM
Bike Warning Device Wanted

I have found this site while conducting an occasional (fruitless) search for a decent bike warning device. I can't believe nobody has thought of making one that will, for instance, penetrate a lorry (truck) cab. I ride off road (as far as possible) around the Surrey (UK) countryside. I hope I am starting a thread which will generate some interest, particularly with someone who makes stuff for bikes!

I want an electronic three tone push button horn:

1 is a chime - friendly warning to pedestrians, walkers on trails etc.

2 is louder and shriller as a more urgent warning (car squeezing you into gutter etc)

3 Is fierce for emergency only - You are about to kill me!

I know this was possible in a small device at least 20 years ago yet no one seems to make anything that fits the bill. Dpes anyone know better? Do any manufacturers watch this site?

genec
10-14-12, 12:47 PM
Use a bell for 1.

Use Airzounds for 2 and 3. Simply honk longer for 3.

Done.
seeker333
10-14-12, 01:30 PM
http://www.thehornit.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2_wnQBKnj4

An Airzound is louder, sounds more like a horn, and is more likely to get a motorist's attention.

I find simple yelling works pretty good. Add hand gestures when needed for more dramatic flair.

Bear in mind that many times when motorists violate your right-of-way, it is not due to ignorance or failure to notice you, rather they are simply ignoring you and driving how they choose. In this case, a horn won't really do much good.

I don't have a horn. I figure most of the time I simply wouldn't have time to search for a button to actuate the horn, and my attention is more appropriately focused on stopping or evading the immediate threat.

ItsJustMe
10-14-12, 07:12 PM
I would like for someone to make an AirZound that actually worked in the cold and lasted more than a year or so. I'm using a car horn with a small 12v battery because my AirZound was useless in the winter and it died after a bit more than a year.
waldowales
10-14-12, 07:13 PM
I have a Bell electronic horn which is loud and shrill. It is a real attention getter, but is probably illegal, as it sounds like a whistle.