A new product designed to make cyclists more visible to oncoming traffic, which works in a similar way to indicators on cars and motorbikes, will become available during summer 2015.
WingLights are directional indicators for bicycles that magnetically attach to the ends of straight handlebars. They clip on and off with ease and form a compact key ring for storage.
The lights turn on and off with a simple tap and emit a pulsating amber light, just like those on cars and motorcycles. Made from aluminum, they are shockproof and 100% waterproof.
John Nelson, from CYCL*, the company behind WingLights, said: “WingLights were created to address the issue of accidents at or near busy junctions. Approximately 75% of cycling accidents happen in these areas, and we believe that our product will help to reduce this figure.
“Motorised vehicles have advanced from hand signals, however bicycles still solely rely on them.
“WingLights are predominantly aimed at the commuter market, and our mission is to help increase people’s confidence on the roads.”
WingLights are due for official release in June 2015 and CYCL says it has received almost 1,000 pre-orders at the introductory price of £24.99
*CYCL
CYCL is a cycling safety accessory brand founded by Luca Amaduzzi who, along with engineer Agostino Stilli, came up with the idea for WingLights. CYCL raised almost 200% of its required funding through KickStarter.
I’ve had turn signals for years which are more visible than this. Sadly tho they stopped selling in the UK and now only sell in New Zealand
Wolfie, Runcorn
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Nice idea, but won’t be suitable for bikes with drop bars. The handle bars are a lot more narrow than MTB straight bars, so won’t be as visible as the riders body will hide most of the lights. Biggest problem is they would only be visible, if seen, from behind and not for on-coming vehicles. This is because drop bar ends face behind not to the side as MTB.
Clive Copeland, Stoke-on-Trent
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It seems like a good idea, but I don’t think it will make any difference at all. When I stick my yellow gloved hand out to turn right, or to move into position for a right hand turn, hardly any traffic take any notice, and most continue to try to overtake (strangely, this doesn’t happen when I indicate right when driving my car or motorbike!). I can’t see how a flashing light on the handle bars will help. Also, I have never accidently left my arm sticking out after making a turn.
Garrad Bailey, Bristol
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When we have drivers that don’t know that they have indicators or rarely use them how are we to expect riders to make use of them? After all they are mainly ex car drivers anyway. They won’t yet fit on racing bars will they.
If drivers already disregard cyclists they are not going to take into account another flashing light. Will the lights automatically switch off after the manoeuvre or continue flashing for the following mile or so as is the case with many motorcycle indicators. On that note, same as Rob Lowe, why don’t all motorcycle indicators have a buzzer fitted at a cost of less than £10.00 which will warn the rider that he has left them on. I have and they work extremely well. Built into the machine there would be no increase in actual costs. I doubt that they will be taken into account.
Bob Craven Lancs…Space is Safe campaigner
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An item already available in varying forms, and some keen cyclists have fitted them. The problem will be that they’ll get left on unintentionally; masked by clothing; and generally forgotten about when needed – which makes the use of hand signals the more reliable option all round given the largest bulk of a rider on a bike being the rider. At night – reflective hand/arm bands or full jacket.
Derek Reynolds, Salop.
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A long-awaited unremittingly good idea. Although somewhat off subject, could anything be done to distinguish between bike lights designed to illuminate the road ahead (which should be very bright but carried low to avoid dazzling) and those to make the rider easier to see (which should be carried higher but limited to a responsible number of lumens)?
Rob Lowe, Reading
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75% of cycling accidents may happen at junctions, but the vast majority of those are where it is the vehicle doing the turning and not the cycle. Apart from that though it looks like a good idea even though hand signals seem to have become a thing of the past for a lot of city riders.
Duncan MacKillop. No surprise – No accident.
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