The bicycle with a handlebar-mounted laser

The idea of using a powerful handlebar-mounted laser to keep inattentive motorists on their toes will appeal to many cyclists, but the design by Emily Brooke of Brighton University is not intended to leave a trail of smouldering vehicle in its wake – rather it projects an image onto the road to increase the cyclist’s visibility to motorists.

The Blaze is a handlebar-mounted laser that projects a bright green image of a bike onto the road ahead. Emily Brooke says of her design: “Eighty per cent of cycle accidents occur when bicycles travel straight ahead and a vehicle manoeuvres into them. The most common contributory factor is ‘failed to look properly’ on the part of the motorist.”

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “The idea is appealing, and hampered only by the advances made over recent years in conventional bicycle lighting – powerful flashing LED lights have dramatically increased the visibility of cyclists on the road.”

• Cycle InsuranceThe high-viz bicycle jacket with built-in lasers

The ETA offers a discount on folding bicycles. Cycle insurance from the ETA includes 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. Electric bicycles can also be covered.