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Firefly protects cyclists on busy roads
Cycling on busy roads at night could become much safer thanks to a new "Firefly" bike light that automatically illuminates a rider when traffic gets too close for comfort.
Invented by University of New South Wales design graduate James Morton, the Firefly has featured on ABC TV's The New Inventors and shortlisted at this year's Australian Design Awards.
The Firefly detects approaching traffic via inbuilt infrared sensors to trigger brilliant light-emitting diodes (LED) to flash onto the back of a rider with varying intensity, depending on the proximity of traffic. The device also illuminates the ground beneath a rider, thereby giving motorists a greater ability to judge their proximity to a cyclist.
Mr Morton says he hopes his invention will eventually contribute to greater cycling safety. "Cycling is becoming increasingly popular in Australia but poor visibility and awareness means far too many of cyclists are hit by motorists, resulting in serious injury or death," says Morton, a keen cyclist who graduates this Friday at UNSW as a newly minted Bachelor of Industrial Design (Hons).
"Firefly could help reduce collisions between cyclists and motorists because it makes riders appear larger while giving motorists feedback about their proximity to vulnerable cyclists.
Firefly is a unique form of bicycle lighting - no other known bicycle light responds to the presence of surrounding traffic. Lab testing reveals that it is vastly superior to standard LED tail lights in two ways: (1) it directly illuminates a rider; and (2) it creates a "halo" effect of light under the bicycle - while still presenting a strong tail light presence. Mr Morton hopes to bring Firefly to market with UNSW's commercialisation company, NewSouth Innovations, and believes it could eventually retail for $150. "Firefly is a unique and useful invention that could find a ready market - especially among cyclists who commute on busy roads at night," says Steve Brodie, a spokesperson for NewSouth Innovations.
Technical details
The Firefly unit is mounted to a bike seat post and is compatible with existing bicycle types, including accessories such as mudguards, panniers and backpacks.
The device is made from die-cast aluminium, providing a light, strong and durable skeleton on which the light is mounted. Its underside is made from an injection moulded Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene and houses the light's electronics as a sub assembly. This combination of materials provides high impact protection and resistance for harsh road conditions. The unit's battery is easily accessible through the top thermoplastic elastomer cover and has a watertight seal protecting the battery. The resealable cover allows easy battery access for recharging. Flipping up the light activates the Firefly and allows a rider to scroll through seven lighting options. Firefly has a quick-release button to allow quick, easy attachment/removal and added security.
Go to iView to see Firefly featured on The New Inventors
Media contact
Dan Gaffney, Public Relations Manager, NewSouth Innovations at UNSW, 0411 156 015
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Privacy statement Copyright and Disclaimer Site Map Site Feedback NewSouth Innovations - UNSW Sydney NSW 2052, Australia Telephone: +61 2 9385 5008 Enquiries: info@nsinnovations.com.au AUTHORISED BY Director, Public Affairs and Development. Page last updated: 6-5-2010 |
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