Well it could end up somewhere good, but right now it's probably a bit scary. Do we need cycling gear that senses our actions and makes the appropriate signalling? Maybe we do. Do we need to bring more attention to our presence on the road? Yes. Do we need yet more distraction, especially when our mobile phone rings? No.
I can see the potential benefit but it seems a costly way to add a few more LEDs to our bike. And if we forget to put it on - or if it's too hot to wear - then what's the (blinking LED) point? Still. it may actually point the way to truly noticeable and intelligent cycling gear.
Sporty Supaheroe cycle jacket boasts "intelligent" sensors and dynamic LEDs
I can see the potential benefit but it seems a costly way to add a few more LEDs to our bike. And if we forget to put it on - or if it's too hot to wear - then what's the (blinking LED) point? Still. it may actually point the way to truly noticeable and intelligent cycling gear.
Sporty Supaheroe cycle jacket boasts "intelligent" sensors and dynamic LEDs
With its Sporty Supaheroe cycling jacket, the Utope Project aims to achieve just that - integrating 64 RGB LEDs into its stretchable, wearable circuit boards. And the inclusion of in-built sensors means the LED array can display a variety of patterns depending on circumstance.
The Sport Supaheroe integrates 64 RGB LEDs into its stretchable, wearable circuit boards
One mode, with white light on the jacket's front panels and red light to the red, is clear...
The inclusion of in-built sensors means the LED array can display a variety of patterns de...
It isn't absolutely clear how the LEDs are driven, but presumably the jacket integrates a ...
View all
Together, an integrated "acceleration sensor" and gyroscope track the cyclist's movement, conveying information for all to see on the jacket itself. Conceivably, this means that the jacket's rear panels could glow red under braking, or flash on one side if the cyclist moves sideways. A particularly nice touch is a smartphone call alert system, which we gather employs a simple light sensor in the jacket's inner pocket wired to the jackets outer LEDs. When an incoming call is received your smartphone screen lights up, triggering the sensor and LEDs. That said, anything that makes a telephone harder to ignore when cycling should be used with caution.
