With the current economic climate and Obama’s forthcoming stimulus plan that will hopefully have plenty of funds for infrastructure improvements after all the pork is factored in, we might get a larger network of roads with bike lanes(at $5-$50k/mile.) For those that will not have such niceties: enter the Light Lane.
It seems to be a purely conceptual device at this point from a company called Yanko Design, but it would probably set the fixie hipster niche on fire if production were to begin. Commuter cyclists would probably pick it up as well. The device superimposes an image of a bike lane in front of, under, and behind you as you ride creating your very own bike lane for your entire ride.
I’m not sure this device resolves the problem of its main intention: to create a bike lane where there is none so motorists are more aware of you riding at night. A person driving a car is no more likely to yield any space unless they see you coming or can see you in the distance; regardless of the presence of a virtual bike lane or not. The Light Lane, IMO simply creates a more perceptible visual cue for drivers to see at night. The devices would be just as helpful if it superimposed any other shape on the ground. I actually think it would be much more effective if it were to display a constantly rotating series of dots that circled the rider and making people think there’s a UFO on the ground!
I don’t ride at night, so this is not an issue I would have experience with.
Would you get one if/when it comes out? How much would be willing to pay? Sound off in the comments.
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I tried to leave a meaningful comment, including some links to my blog where I address specifics of what I put on my bike to feel safe riding at night.
It was dismissed as being “too spammy.”
I guess I’ll meander on somewhere else.
Very nice, I’m not convinced its practical since your going to take that image behind you everywhere during turns etc… but its cool.
I just got my girlfriend a 64 Schwinn varsity in excellent shape. The dyno and the old lamps came in a box. I’m planning to use/repair the generator, feed it into a battery pack that i hide somewhere… then re-dp the original lamps with led’s, probably straight out of another pair of lights. Might even wire up turn signals… Ill have to make an instructible if i do it.