Isn't it time that Cyclists had Indicators like Cars | Hacker News Reader

Isn't it time that Cyclists had Indicators like Cars

6 pointsbardrick19 comments

Cyclists et al,

Whilst cars have indicators to signal that they are turning cyclists rely on an outstretched arm to alert others of their intentions.

However, in a busy city, such as London, that arm might not always be seen or acknowledged by other road users.

So Why Not!

View on HN

I would think something attached to gloves might be easier to spot than something attached to a bicycle.

That said, I can't imagine a situation where you could see a cyclist but not see them indicating. If anything, signalling makes the cyclist more visible and obvious.

A similar thing already exists I believe http://www.gizmag.com/zackees-illuminated-turn-signal-gloves...

This looks like a better solution than mounted turn signals.

The Kickstarter has ended, so here's a link to the site: http://zackees.com

I had battery operated signals on my 3 speed bike with highrise handlebars and a sissy bar in 1969! So yes, why not have them today, especially if you are going to ride IN traffic?

I'd like an automatic one, with an inertial sensor. If I brake, the brake light goes on. If I turn, the correct directional indicator flashes.

Anything that gets more cyclist to signal is a win in my book.

Could you add an example of a situation where you would see an indicator light on the bottom of the bike but you wouldn't see a whole arm?

At dawn/night for example.

How often do you see cyclists even raising an arm.

Also most cyclists I see love wearing dark clothing, especially in winter, at night, without any form of adequate lighting!

Please can we avoid subjective generalisations like this.

I live in Cambridge. I see cyclists every day. In fact most drivers are much more cyclist aware than, say, London.

Just because you object to my anecdote, don't reject it as anti-cyclist rhetoric

I can just as easily add my own anecdote about cars or cyclists but then neither of us are contribution much useful to the original conversation.

I live in a College town. 9 times out of 10, they do not signal, let alone look before cutting out in front of you.

In fact a cyclist came out in front of me from the pedestrian exit of the local railway station car park. Completely out of control and realised he was being a plonker. Stopped in the middle of the road ( a nice blind 90 degree one) looked at me deer-in-headlights and waved thankfully as he rode off.

No lights either, but a helmet.

I fail to see what kind of uptake a flashing orange light on someone's wrist or bike would help if most folk who use them do not even carry a spare set of batteries for their bike.

The serious cyclists do make themselves very visible and are a pleasure to see alas they number one in ten or so :-(

Well in my experience as a cyclist, I'm sure you see a lot of them as most drivers are focused on their phones, their radios, the scenery -- anything but the road.

Yep especially men in white vans on the phone :)

Oh! Yes! I see at least one cyclist every morning fiddling with their phone. And tonight I saw two (in Norwich) tapping away on their phones two handed , dark hoodies, and without lights on a road approaching a hairpin S bend. That said they were teenagers so I guess they figured the glow from their phones were enough ;)

I think it is the case that an amber pulsating light would grab the attention of drivers to the fact that a cyclist is hand signalling & turning.

So just like cars they would not be used?

Reply on news.ycombinator.com