Because cars have two headlights and two tail lights, drivers are more likely to notice other vehicles that likewise have two of each light … or at least, that's the thinking behind new bicycle lighting technology from UK-based Brightspark Global. It not only equips bikes with widely-spaced dual headlights, tail lights and front/rear turn indicators, but it also shines nifty laser signals onto the road.
The Brightspark system takes the form of two handlebar grips, each one of which has an adjustable-angle lighting module hanging from its outside end.
Using thumb controls on those grips, the head/tail lights can be set to steady or flashing modes (the headlights have a maximum output of 600 lumens each), plus the turn indicators can be activated. To help ensure that the rider's turning intentions are known, the indicators are backed up by integrated lasers that project left- and right-turn arrows onto the asphalt to the relevant side of the bike.
Additionally, a haptic feedback system buzzes the user's hands to confirm that commands have been received, and also to let them know if they forget to switch the indicators off after a turn.
Everything is housed within rubberized aluminum, which is reportedly impervious to rain. When the bike is being parked and left unattended, or when the batteries need to be recharged, the grips slide off the bars with the press of a button.
Brightspark inventor Dominic Walters is currently taking the names of prospective buyers, via the link below. He tells us that he expects the finished product to be available by next February at an estimated price of US$240, although that figure could end up being lower.
The system is illustrated in the following animation.
Source: Brightspark Global