Cycling on the highway can definitely be a risky business. If riders are distracted or have the wind in their ears, vehicles rapidly approaching from behind can be almost right on top of them before being noticed. Gadgets such as mirrors and rear-view cameras can help, although riders still have to think to check them. The Backtracker, however, uses a radar signal to automatically alert cyclists whenever a car is closing in on them.
The Backtracker consists of two modules. One of them is mounted on the seatpost, and contains a 24-GHz radar antenna, an ARM processor and a 40-lumen tail light. Using Bluetooth LE, it communicates with the other module, which sits on the handlebars.
When an approaching car closes to within 140 meters (153 yards) of the back of the cyclist, its radar reflection is picked up by the rear unit. That box sends a signal to the one in front, which alerts the rider via a row of LEDs. As the car gets closer, its increasing proximity is indicated on that display.
At the same time that this is happening, the tail light also switches from its regular slow blinking mode to one that's more rapid, in order to catch the attention of the motorist.
The modules' batteries are charged via USB, with one charge lasting for a claimed eight hours of use. The charge level for both devices is indicated through the front display, when the system is first turned on. Down the road (no pun intended), it's possible that riders may be able to use their smartphone in place of the front module.
The Backtracker is being developed by a South Africa-based team, led by inventor Franz Struwig. They're presently in the process of raising production funds, via the Dragon Innovation website. A pledge of US$199 will get you a system, when and if they're ready to go.
You can see the Backtracker in use, in the following video.
Sources: Backtracker, Dragon Innovation via Make
it's unlikley this device is sophisticated enough or can interact properly with a cyclist in order to give the cyclist adaquate forewarning in the myriad of circumstances which lead to an accident.
furthemore most accidents with vehicles and people happen from the sides, not directly behind you.
more junky devices like this are just a poor attempt at adding technology to the bike. bike's are a preferred mode of transport due to their simplicty and cost effectiveness , not their over-arching comfort or safety.
while bicycles are relatively safe at speeds under 20km, you can always get hurt.
if you want to appropriately use radar in a situation to enhance safety the radar has to interact seamlessly with a driver, and most likely this can only be effective with an autonomous computer brain driving.
devices like these are in the nether region of impracticality.
good cycling hygein is a far better guarantee of your saftey as a cyclist.
and for final mention---the vast majority of cyclists bike in urban environments where a device like this would be entirely useless because there are constantly cars near bicycles so you would get a continuous stream of 'false positives' from the device due to other cars, and possibly even other bikes. most likely the notification system is audible and thus you have an annoying bike horn indicating someone or thing is behind or near your behind. this device would be a nuisance in the urban environment in which most people bike.
this thing , if it could be useful-----might be more useful for motorcycles or something on the highway, or simply as radar integrated into an autonomous driving system.
Please forget about smart phone links, the system should be self contained.
Is this device available for wheelchair usage.
wle