A “technological vest” increases the safety of cyclists

The development of a modular device in the shape of a safety vest that provides information to drivers is the goal of one of the projects that is developed in Cesar laboratories.

 

LAMP or ‘Look at me please’ is the name of one of the projects selected in the first call Cesar Labs, which are developing different open jobs and driven by citizens in laboratories Cesar from the Art and Technology Center of Zaragoza. This project, whose idea sprang from the mind of the Zaragoza geographer, Immaculate, has been taking shape in recent weeks with the help of a team of five professionals with very different profiles but who share one objective: to contribute to increase visibility and safety of cyclists when they use the bicycle in the city.

 

Its promoter joined the phenomenon of wearable technology with the boom of mobility on two wheels and did it, above all, thinking about the protection of those cyclists. “Although the number of incidents is decreasing and circulation improves with the bike lanes, accidents still occur,” says Bareilly. “The basic idea is to raise the awareness of the driver behind the bike. If you have someone who, in front of you, indicates where you are going, you are already on notice. The cyclist feels more secure, watched, and encourages a peaceful coexistence in which we are all equal and can live together respecting the rules of circulation, “he adds, not forgetting to mention the environmental benefits inherent to the use of this means of transport.

 

Taken into practice, his project whose prototype was presented last weekend at the event Zaragoza Maker Show. It is based on the development of a modular device that takes the form of a vest or dorsal, with reflective tape parts and subject to the wearer through of handles and a belt, also designed for bicycle users, for skaters or runners who want to send information of interest about their maneuvers to vehicle drivers, other cyclists or pedestrians. “Through it I can indicate if I’m going to turn to the right or to the left without having to raise my hands from the handlebar; something that can be used to avoid shocks or accidents, especially when driving on the road, “explains the head of LAMP.

 

For the time being, this technology allows sending turn signals – through flashing LED lights located to the right and left – and communicate that the march continues and that the user of the device is circulating – two red lights flashing. According to Bareilly explains, the operation is simple: “The cyclist puts on his vest, turns it on and, through a control knob installed on the handlebar of the bicycle – now in development, with only one finger, he can send the different ones information to indicate turns in an intuitive way and through a joystick “, specifies. The connection between the transmitting element and the receiver is made through Bluetooth. “It could also be a wired, infrared or radio frequency connection. In addition, we do not rule out incorporating other options such as a GPS module, “they say.

 

They say that what makes this project different is its simplicity and lightness. In the opinion of your promoter, it is essential not to have to choose between the visibility of the cyclist and his comfort: “It has to be a useful object without being a hindrance or consuming too much energy. Other existing models consist of larger backpacks or jackets with integrated lights. “Among its advantages it states that this device can be easily disassembled and washed, in addition to recharging your battery with a mobile phone charger.

 

The creator of ‘Look at me please’ recognizes that she would love that Zaragoza was the city that bet to integrate this product into its environment. “I hope that a company can be born from this project. For now, we have developed the prototype and we have support, we have become known among the cycling groups and we are in the advisory phase, “he reveals. Meanwhile, they are working to take the following steps with the aim of making their project real, also helping to promote the use of bicycles and high visibility vest in the city.