nanakh

For my DT GCSE Coursework i am creating indicator lights for cycles. Many cyclists use their arms to indicate and it seems a bit dangerous as they then have to cycle wit hone arm. So to fix that i am making indicator lights. However i need your help. you are one of my stakeholders ,obviously, so i need to know if you think its a good idea, anything else you want in my product and anything you need in my product. Responses are greatly appreciated.

CliffordK

Signalling with one hand isn't a problem, although, I often use situational awareness rather than depending on signalling a lot.

I personally don't like the idea of turn signals on bikes.

One issue is that most American cyclists already are using flashing lights as a "Be Seen" device, both day and night. Germans, on the other hand, are required to have solid lights.

There often is not enough right/left distance to differentiate between a directional signal which could lead to confusion between ordinary "be seen" lights and your turn signal.

Anyway, my vote would be NO.

There is a company making glove turn signal lights, and that would potentially be a better spacial distinction, as well as directing one's attention to the gloves and the person.

Stormsedge

kbarch

You'd want an audible or haptic signal for the user. Motorcycle riders are notorious for riding along with their signal on because, (as it would be for bicycles) there isn't an easy way to make them shut off automatically after the turn is complete.

SCRcat6

To survive in traffic as a cyclist you want to minimize as much as possible your exposure to danger. Setting up situations where you need to depend on the driver behind to slow while you turn, is asking for trouble. I find it better to use speed and lane placement to make my turn and be out of the way before the driver behind me knows what happened. In the rare cases where I can't get out of the way quickly, I think hand signals are more effective at signaling an intent to turn than an unexpected flashing yellow light. People aren't looking for turn signal indicators on a bicycle.

TimothyH

Not practical.

Requires electricity to operate and ongoing maintenance. Adds weight and aerodynamic drag. Increases cost. Replaces a perfectly good system which has worked for over a century.

Will inevitably become a government mandate.

Not a good idea.

seau grateau

Bad idea.

rubiksoval

I think it's a total waste of an idea, and I would never use one. Taking your hands off the bars is part of cycling. It's how you signal, eat, drink, undress, etc. Not at all a valid reason for a product.

In addition, I believe the Lumos helmet already has indicator lights. Don't think it's taken off very well.

Jadesfire 

There are several options on the market. One which I know I have seen advertised already is:
Lumos Helmet

Whatever design you come up with, try and make it as easy as possible to implement. Personally, when I'm getting ready to commute to work at 4:30 in the morning, I want as few steps as possible to get everything ready to roll. Good luck!

DiabloScott

This is the kind of thing that only sounds good to someone who doesn't ride. Nobody expects you to come up with a truly marketable invention that will be the next big seller though - your class is probably just looking for your design approach.

So you can continue with the turn signal idea, knowing that bike riders don't want it.
Or you can come up with something else. For example, there are quite a few types of MP3/BlueTooth sports speakers that people use on their bikes, but they're all kind of clunky... lots of room for innovation there.