Braking

The European safety organization Euro NCAP has announced the introduction of a new test to ascertain the effectiveness of pedestrian detection and autonomous braking and collision avoidance systems from different auto manufacturers.

Fixie bikes are all about simplicity. That's why Italian manufacturer OML has introduced a braking system that may meet the minimalist standards of fixie riders. It's called Wire Brake, and it replaces two brake levels with a single plastic-housed wire.

Dealing with copious amounts of horsepower demands adequate braking capability. This usually entails large brake calipers that add to the vehicle’s unsprung mass. Brembo has just unveiled a new series of calipers whose patented design translates to lower weight without any compromise in rigidity.

Most brake lights for bikes use an accelerometer to detect when the cyclist is stopping. However, what if you want something that's a little smaller, simpler and cheaper? That would be Sigma's tiny new mechanically-activated Brakelight.

BMW Motorrad has enhanced the motorcyclist’s safety arsenal with the introduction of a dynamic brake light designed to better warn following traffic of emergency braking action taking place up front.

The cast iron brake rotors currently used in most vehicles are quite heavy. Lighter ceramic rotors certainly do exist, although they're pricey. Soon, however, ceramic-coated aluminum rotors may be a cost-effective lightweight alternative for economy cars.

Volvo has already been bragging about how the XC90 will be the world's cleanest and most powerful SUV. Now it is touting the vehicle's safety features, which will include an auto brake at intersections function and a run-off road protection package – both of which Volvo claims are world firsts.

BMW has announced ABS Pro - the first lean angle-sensitive ABS system for a supersports motorcycle, so road riders can brake safely, effectively and extremely quickly while the bike's leaned over.

A team of Hungarian inventors is looking to help ease the stress of raising a young Evil Knievel with a remote controlled bicycle brake. Dubbed the MiniBrake, the device can be attached to the seat post of a typical bike frame and puts braking entirely under the control of onlooking parents.

The Slidepad system allows both of a bicycle's brakes to be applied with the squeeze of a single lever, in such a way that the front brake will never lock up on its own ... welcome news for riders who don't want to fly over their handlebars.

Longboard skateboards can travel downhill insanely fast, which makes the practice of downhill boarding look pretty scary to a lot of us. Add in the fact that the boards don’t have brakes, however, and it can seem downright suicidal. That’s why Benjamin Newman has developed the Brakeboard.

Ford's “Electronic Brake Light” causes a dashboard light to illuminate in your car, when a vehicle in front of you applies its brakes.