New touch-activated laser lane to keep cyclists safe

Cyclists are one of the most vulnerable groups of people on our roads. Unlike car users, they are not protected by a metal exterior, and they are hard to see for other drivers.

Because of this visibility issue, cyclists are particularly susceptible to road accidents and injuries. In 2021, 111 cyclists were killed in Great Britain, and nearly 16,000 people died, while more than 4,300 were seriously injured.

To address the visibility of cyclists, 23-year-old Ibrahim Cam, a final year Industrial Design and Technology student at Brunel University London, was inspired to create Laser Lanes.

The product fits on the ends of both handlebars and at the touch of a button provides a laser lane on both sides of the cyclist.

The Highway Code states that motorists must give cyclists 1.5 meters of space when overtaking, and laser lanes clearly indicate this distance.

In addition to laser lanes, the product also features touch-activated indicators and front and rear lights.

“The purpose of the laser lanes is to increase the visibility of cyclists and improve communication with other road users,” Ibrahim said. “Capacitive touch-activated front and rear lights are on the end of the handlebars, so drivers can tell the exact length of the bike, and lasers will show motorists the clearance they need to give cyclists.

“The front lights are white and the rear lights are red, so drivers can tell if they’re looking at the front or back of the bike. There’s also a capacitive touch-activated indicator, so cyclists can clearly indicate when When are they turning a corner.”

The laser lane was unveiled at last week’s anniversary made in brunel The exhibition, which showcased gadgets and devices designed by final year students of Brunel Design School.

The event was held at The Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf, London, and was an opportunity for students to promote their skills, products and ideas to industry professionals and the wider creative community.

Ibrahim was inspired to design the laser lane shortly after he started driving last year.

“I used to cycle when I was young, and when I started going to university, I started to notice the constant dissonance between cyclists and drivers. I started to see it more and more, and I know it Especially bad in London.” ” They said.

As a new driver, Ibrahim struggled with overtaking and interacting with cyclists, and wanted to create something so that drivers and cyclists could interact with each other in a safer and more constructive way, rather than just using hand signals. Can communicate

“I tried to give cyclists as much space as possible, but seeing how other drivers interacted with them made me think about it more,” he said.

“I notice drivers overtaking cyclists at corners and not giving them the required 1.5 metres. Many drivers do not respect the 1.5 meter rule, and the vehicle wind alone can be harmful.”

Ibrahim observed that there was a need to provide the necessary infrastructure for cyclists to feel more confident on the roads, and believes that making cyclists more visible would have a huge impact on their safety.

Ibrahim said, “Drivers have air bags, seat belts and metal between them and the road, but cyclists have nothing. They just have their bike, their helmet and the asphalt beneath them.”

“There have been times when I haven’t seen cyclists in their dark spot until the very last moment, and my heart sinks when I find out what could have happened.

“By helping drivers make better decisions, cyclists will feel safer on the roads.”

Ibrahim also sees the positive contribution and impact that Laser Lanes will have in creating a more sustainable environment.

“Less experienced cyclists may not feel confident enough to cycle at the moment, but if they feel safe on the roads, they will cycle. Getting more people cycling will reduce their carbon footprint and reduce congestion on the roads Will be less.” Said.

“Rising fuel prices are making driving economically unviable for people, and cycling may now be an option for them.”