LED video jacket: Future bicycle lighting?

A jacket that incorporates a 60” LED video display over the body and sleeves paves the way for wearable and interactive bicycle lighting.

LED jackets would provide a high-tech alternative to the luminous yellow tabards favoured by some cyclists. The jacket gives off more than enough light for the urban cyclist and the moving images could display messages to other road users. Large flashing arrows be highly-visible turn signal and messages such as ‘too close’ , ‘thank you’ and ‘stopping’ would prove useful.

The Video Coat is currently a prototype for a costume for the Burning Man festival – an annual art event and temporary community based on radical self expression in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada.

DIY flashing cycle wear

If the LED coat seems a DIY build too far, take a look at this design for a cycling jacket with built-in indicator lights that are operated by a switch on each cuff.

The indicators work in exactly the same way as they do on a car by flashing individually or together.

The lighting system does not make the jacket cumbersome to wear as the components are lightweight, almost flat and connected by conductive thread rather than wires.

Leah Buechley designed the Turn Signal Bike Jacket while teaching an ‘e-textiles’ project at Shih Chien University in Taiwan.

A spokesperson at the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “Leah Buechley’s design would brighten up even the dampest February ride home – it shows that cycle clothing and lighting can be imaginative and fun.”

|_. Don’t wait for this idea to hit the shops… |_. Do it yourself|
|* Anyone can make themselves a similar flashing jacket, gloves, bag or hat – no experience of electronics is necessary. The LilyPad Arduino is a range of electronic components designed to be sewed into fabric and easy to use.

How does your cycle insurance match up?

Cycle insurance from the ETA includes, amongst other things, new-for-old, third party insurance (in the case of an accident you may need to seek compensation or even deal with a claim by someone else), personal accident cover, race event cover and if you suffer a mechanical breakdown, they will come out and recover you and your bike. Get an instant, no obligation quote below.

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