Gizmodo: Cyclists

Signal Jacket for Cyclists Gets Instructable: Your Arms Will be Happy

Kit Eaton — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 10:15:00 EDT

Back in March we showed Leah Buechley's neat signaling jacket for cyclists, the one that has LED turn-indicators on the back. Not much info was available on it at the time, save for the fact it used an Arduino Lilypad controller. But now Leah's posted a detailed Instructable for the jacket, including handy things like a shopping list for materials and tools, so you could easily make your own. One thing we didn't know: there's a single LED on each cuff, confirming your turn signs are showing on the back. Good idea that—saving you from veering into the path of a juggernaut that didn't know what you were up to. [Instructables via Talk2myshirt]

Signal Jacket for Cyclists

AddyDugdale — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 12:30:51 EDT

Ph.D student Leah Buechley has designed several items of electronic clothing, but her signal jacket for cyclists is, I reckon, something that should be picked up by clothing manufacturers at soon as possible. LEDs embedded in an arrow formation flash to indicate the cyclist is about to turn left or right, warning motorists, and so, hopefully, preventing any unnecessary squishing. The LEDs are powered by that cute flower-like thing in the center of the jacket. It's the LilyPad Arduino, a small, sewable computer chip that was designed by Leah herself. [Leah Buechley via DVICE]

Bike Cuffs Bring Security, Kinkiness, to Your Cycle

AddyDugdale — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 07:13:27 EST

Made of hardened, laminated steel, and based on the design for police-issue manacles, the bike cuff is all kinds of wonderful. You can lock up to three bikes at the same time, and the ring is big enough to secure to signposts to deter would-be tea-leaves. The heat-treated lock is pick-proof and there's a hardened pivot link, which means no busting your bike using leverage. There is, however, one downside to the cuffs: price. Expect to pay $158.50 for them. [Firebox]

Safe Turn Keeps Cyclists From Getting Killed (Athough This Guy Probably Won't Make It)

Sean Fallon — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:30:35 EST

Basically, Safe Turn is a wrist-mounted indicator light that automatically flickers to life whenever a cyclist raises his/her arm to signal a turn. In order to prevent the device from lighting during normal actions, like reaching for a water bottle or scratching the nose or ass, the device incorporates a "delayed start" feature that only allows the light to turn on if the user's arm has been in position for more than 200 milliseconds.

If you are one of the few cyclists out there who is courteous enough to use hand signals on the road, the Safe Turn may be a useful device—although it looks as though the guy in the picture may have waited a little too long. Available for $18. [Product Page via Gizmag via Gearfuse]

The World's Brightest Cycle Lamp Is Called Betty

AddyDugdale — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 06:28:49 EDT

Betty is a 22-watt, 1400-lumen bicycle lamp that you can buy from Gretna Bikes. And it's expensive—at 84 per lumen, the grand total is $1,185. It is, however, the light of all lights for cyclists— just have a look at what it can do below.

There's a custom-designed lens system for optimal beam quality and seven top-grade LED lights. Its three modes include a low power-consuming emergency mode, which gives you up to two weeks' light using just 0.25W. Using its strongest battery, it will last all night for a month. But is that worth $1,185? Depends how safe you want to be. [Lupine via Book of Joe]

Cyclists: Topeak AirFender Keeps Water and Mud Off Your Back

Charlie White — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 17:00:00 EST

Topeak, further bringing the comforts of home to cyclists everywhere, now whips out AirFender, an inflatable rear fender that slides onto your bike's seat post.

When rain hits, a few strokes of a pump inflates it, and it sticks up like a turgid schlong, keeping that telltale skidmark of water and mud off your back for the duration of the storm. Neat trick. – Charlie White

Product Page [Topeak, via Coolest Gadgets]