Urban Transport

Laser-projecting bicycle light takes to Kickstarter for crowdfunding

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Designer Emily Brooke with her BLAZE bicycle light
The prototype BLAZE is a 110-mm (4.3-in) machined aluminum tube that houses both an LED light and a laser module
BLAZE projects a bicycle lane symbol 4 to 6 meters ahead of the cyclist
BLAZEs will ship in April 2013, all going to plan
The LED does work when detached, albeit in a lower power setting, meaning BLAZE doubles up as a makeshift flashlight
The prototype BLAZE is a 110-mm (4.3-in) machined aluminum tube that houses both an LED light and a laser module
The prototype BLAZE is a 110-mm (4.3-in) machined aluminum tube that houses both an LED light and a laser module
BLAZE projects a bicycle lane symbol 4 to 6 meters ahead of the cyclist
Designer Emily Brooke with her BLAZE bicycle light
View gallery - 8 images

When we first came across Emily Brooke's BLAZE, a bicycle attachment that projects a cycle lane symbol on the road ahead of the cyclist, it was little more than a concept. That was in June of last year. Since then, Brooke's launched her own company, developed working prototypes, and taken to Kickstarter to fund fabrication of the first batch.

The crux of the concept remains intact: BLAZE remains a light which is attached to the handlebars of the bike which projects a cycle lane symbol onto the ground, 4 to 6 meters (13 to 20 ft) ahead of the bike. The idea is that this will help to prevent accidents where drivers turn in on cyclists traveling straight ahead – the sorts of accidents which account for 79 percent of cycling casualties in the UK, according to 2011 figures from the Department for Transport.

But much clearer now is the technology that will bring this to bear. The prototype BLAZE is a 110-mm (4.3-in) machined aluminum tube that houses both an LED light and a laser module in order to operate both as a useful headlight and to project the cycle lane symbol onto the road.

It appears that final specification could change, but the current version houses a 1500-mAh rechargeable lithium battery that lasts for 6 hours of continuous illumination, or 12 hours if set to flash mode.

The LEDs in use in the prototype emit more than 80 lumens at an efficacy better than 90 lumens/watt. The BLAZE uses a Class II laser, classified as a safe for public sale in the UK market. The potential for misuse is reduced thanks to the way the lens scatters the laser beam, and the fact that a magnetic sensor prevents the laser from being switched on when the BLAZE is detached from the bike. The LED does work when detached, albeit in a lower power setting, meaning BLAZE doubles up as a makeshift flashlight.

What will certainly change is the project image of the bicycle which will become clearer, compensating for the angle of projection.

Here's the obligatory Kickstarter promo video. Clearly anything that improves cyclist visibility is a plus, though by how much safety is improved is open to speculation. Assuming a driver does see the projected image, the reaction time to avoid hitting a cyclist traveling at full tilt will be well under a second.

At the time of writing, of the available pledges, a BLAZE pre-order will set you back £60 (US$96). Delivery is, er, projected for April 2013. Source: Kickstarter

[UPDATE – Oct. 27/14: Brooke's team has informed us that the Kickstarter campaign was successful, and that the BLAZE can now be ordered from the company website.]

View gallery - 8 images
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5 comments
Bob Flint
Hi Emily,
Interesting concept, but since universal traffic lighting is red stop, amber (yellow) caution & or prepare to stop, and then GREEN means GO!! I understand that certain rules of the road, & emergency type vehicles vary from country to country, but I would think the color is extremely important. Red being typically for the rear of vehicles, and white for the front. White lasers very difficult & expensive.
Orange lasers do exist, and wouldn’t it be more prudent to use that or even blue laser (retraining the pre-conditioned mind? Seeing the green reflecting off the pavement out the corner of my eye while negotiating a curve could be interpreted as a traffic light in my direction, and I might tend to ignore it completely, ………
Terry Penrose
Some very good points there Bob. I run a flashing blue laser on my bike. Because its uncommon it gets peoples attention, which is what I want.
Mike Hallett
It seems like an excellent idea and hopefully it will actually save lives, but I am pretty sure there are laws, or in the UK at least, Construction and Use Regulations, regarding the colours of lights that may be displayed on moving vehicles. For example, blue lights, flashing or otherwise, may only be used on emergency service vehicles, as far as I'm aware. I assume the very clever Ms. Brooke has consulted the necessary authority before committing to final manufacture.
Dallan
It would also be beneficial to have this projected behind the bicyclist as well so that drovers coming up behind you would see that as well.
The Hoff
Good point Mike but I don't think the very small dot of light that is actually displayed on the bike would qualify. The safer bike riding is the more people will ride them and thats better for everyone.