Bicycles

TurnCycle automatically backs up cyclists' hand signals with LED display

TurnCycle automatically backs up cyclists' hand signals with LED display
The TurnCycle combines a gesture-sensing bracelet and an LED display
The TurnCycle combines a gesture-sensing bracelet and an LED display
View 4 Images
The TurnCycle combines a gesture-sensing bracelet and an LED display
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The TurnCycle combines a gesture-sensing bracelet and an LED display
The TurnCycle display turns off after 25 seconds, using an audible cue to let the rider know that it's done so
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The TurnCycle display turns off after 25 seconds, using an audible cue to let the rider know that it's done so
The TurnCycle bracelet receives power from a coin cell battery, and the display runs off a USB-rechargeable lithium-ion battery
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The TurnCycle bracelet receives power from a coin cell battery, and the display runs off a USB-rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Both of the TurnCycle components are water-resistant
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Both of the TurnCycle components are water-resistant
View gallery - 4 images

Although we've already seen various illuminated turn indicators for bicycles, the fact is that cyclists should still also be using traditional hand signals. Activating an electronic indicator while also making a hand signal, however, could be a bit of a hassle. That's where the TurnCycle comes in. It uses the rider's hand signals to automatically activate a separate LED turn indicator.

Here's how the TurnCycle works ...

The user starts by powering up a wrist bracelet, and slapping it onto their left arm. When they subsequently make a left-turn signal (arm straight out), a right turn signal (arm angled up at 90-degree angle) or a stopping signal (arm angled down), a 6-axis accelerometer in the bracelet detects the movement.

Using Bluetooth, it then transmits a signal to an LED display. That device responds by displaying a series of sweeping left- or right-facing animated arrows, or simply by flashing in the case of a stopping signal. The display turns off after 25 seconds, using an audible cue to let the rider know that it's done so.

The TurnCycle display turns off after 25 seconds, using an audible cue to let the rider know that it's done so
The TurnCycle display turns off after 25 seconds, using an audible cue to let the rider know that it's done so

Both components are water-resistant, with the bracelet receiving power from a coin cell battery and the display running off a USB-rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

If you're interested in getting a TurnCycle system, it's currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign. If everything works out, a pledge of US$90 will get you a one-display package, with $180 required for a kit with both front and rear displays.

The system can be seen in use, in the following video.

Sources: TurnCycle, Kickstarter

TurnCycle - safer bike signaling light - hand gesture controlled

View gallery - 4 images
2 comments
2 comments
tacheonabike
hand signals in the uk are different , plus taking any hands from the handlebars is inherently unsafe, voice Recognition or an electronic means are required
unklmurray
Hand signals in the ''UK'' is different,Where is the "UK?"" I don't know from what a uk is......lifting your hand from the handle bar may be dangerous but not as dangerous as not signaling.......I think that since most people who ride carry a rack on their bikes should have a light bar 24 inches long with an entire row of lights,red ones in back, with bright amber turning ,flashing lights on the ends with a large arrow pointing the direction of turn,this row of lights should be at least 36 inches of the ground and a similar bar on the front.I think the bars should be at least the afor mentioned 24 inches wide as that is approximate space a bicycle needs to function safely, My trike is 36 inches wide[center of tread to center of tread] in front and 48 inches wide in back and has a wheel base of 69 inches, 2 wheels if front and 1 in the rear [of course] it is Not a recumbent,sort of, it is ,but it can be changed to an upright style depending on the way I need to use it,in cruiser mode it is semi recumbent,in work mode it becomes an upright........LOL :-)