Electric LED Turn Signal Questionnaire for Beginner Cyclist

Mr Quick

Hi Everyone

I'm currently doing a dissertation on Cycling Accidents and the Concept of LED turn signals could play a role towards lessening accidents by providing both more control and more exposure.
Just some small insight, their hasn't been any research directly stating that performing hand signals is a major factor (or factor at all) in cycling accidents, however I wouldn't rule it out. During my research, a very good source was the ROSPA Factsheet which I will link below:

http://www.rospa.com/roadsafety/advice/ ... tsheet.pdf

Things such as ‘poor turn/manoeuvre’ is what I wanted to focus on with LED turn Signals. It could be argued that cyclists who aren't comfortable using hand signals while on the move, LED turn Signals can provide the option to still alert others and be in full control. I guess to more experienced cyclists this might seem rather excessive, since they are used to hand signals and it's not the only reason for poor turns and such.

http://freeonlinesurveys.com/s.asp?sid= ... aux3523988

It should only take 5 minutes to complete.

Thank you for your time.

Daz555

As a motorcyclist I worry about indicators because you can't trust them. On bikes and bicycles the left and right indicators are too close to the centre-line of the vehicle to be effective enough to trust them.

On my 1100cc 240kg bike I feel ok with mirror, signal,manoeuvre with all the required lifesaver checks etc. On a bicycle however I doubt I'd ever feel safe with indicators. I'd want to stick my arm out to make sure the driver behind had noticed me.

I like this sort of idea, rather than bike mounted affairs: http://www.flashwear.com/online_store/l ... gloves.cfm They still need hands off the handlebars however.

I would argue most of all though that a cyclist who is unable to peform a turn signal with the arm should never be regarded as being "in control". It is the most basic of requirements for cycling on the road. Anyone who cannot take one hand off the bars (assuming able bodied) cannot surely be trusted with two hands under normal circumstances?

simonhead

If you havent already i would post this in the commuter section you may get a broader response.

Mr Quick

simonhead wrote:

If you havent already i would post this in the commuter section you may get a broader response.

Oh, Thanks for the info.

cougie

It's been done before - several times. Dangerous to just turn a flasher on and then move - god knows how many times i've looked behind, indicated, and cars haven't acknowledged the signal (and they had enough time to take heed too).

Anyone indicating and moving without checking will get a rude awakening.

monkimark

Question 5 - most people cycle for more than one purpose. ie I cycle to work during the week, maybe cycle to a mates house in the evening and then go out for a ride on the weekend. The survey only lets you select one option.

Question 6 shows 'neutral' as an option between slightly and very important, which it isn't.

I used to have turn indicators on my bar-end lights but rarely used them, they were no real use in the daytime anyway as they're not bright enough. http://www.evanscycles.com/products/tac ... lsrc=aw.ds I never trusted them on their own and always used hand signals as well.

I can imagine that if they're not self cancelling, a lot of cyclists would be riding round with indicators flashing without realising it. Also agree with the note about the distance between them being too small to decipher which is which

navrig2

Daz555 wrote:

As a motorcyclist I worry about indicators because you can't trust them. On bikes and bicycles the left and right indicators are too close to the centre-line of the vehicle to be effective enough to trust them.

On my 1100cc 240kg bike I feel ok with mirror, signal,manoeuvre with all the required lifesaver checks etc. On a bicycle however I doubt I'd ever feel safe with indicators. I'd want to stick my arm out to make sure the driver behind had noticed me.

I like this sort of idea, rather than bike mounted affairs: http://www.flashwear.com/online_store/l ... gloves.cfm They still need hands off the handlebars however.

I would argue most of all though that a cyclist who is unable to peform a turn signal with the arm should never be regarded as being "in control". It is the most basic of requirements for cycling on the road. Anyone who cannot take one hand off the bars (assuming able bodied) cannot surely be trusted with two hands under normal circumstances?

Totally agree.

Indicators attached to the wrist which automatically come on with a tilt switch is the way to go if you want cycle indicators. At least that will encourage us all to lift our arms far enough to make sure drivers are aware of our intention to turn.

markhewitt1978

If I can be coming up to a right turn, in the right hand side of the lane with my arm fully outstretched to signal I'm about to turn right, and yet cars are still overtaking, what hope does a flashy light have?

BrandonA

I think it would be dangerous if some cyclists use hands and others use lights to include their intention to change position. Drivers will not know what to look for as some cyclists would be doing one thing and others something else.

I can see the point of lights being used in conjunction with the hand signal but as other have said I too think the light would have to be on the wrist and not the actual bike. In the winter these lights could be worn over clothes and I don't think I'd have a problem using them (if they were made law). In the summer though when your arms are bare and probably wet with sweat the last thing I'd want to do is clip a light to myself.

mattsccm

~I do hope you are not needing to get some pro indicator results to complete your work. Over the years indicators have been tried or considered many times. They just don't work. Sticking your hand out does the job better. Even on a motorcycle the hand is better. It can be seen. Its more complicated though so indicators have more value.
Indicators fitted to bikes won't work. there is no where for them. They would need to be at least 1 metre or more apart. How would they be powered? I know its lumping people together but I bet you would find that the very casual, couldn't care a damn cyclist who doesn't indicate would charge them either. How would they be cancelled? Non automatic ones would be a pain and more trouble than good.
Finally I would bet that if you could really analyse every accident that just might involve indicating you would find that either riders did signal but this was missed or they didn't indicate. If it was the latter then they would have forgotten to flick a switch as well. (or didn't cancel the previous indication).
Indicators need to be all of the following to work.
Self cancelling.
100% visible at all times
Not reliant on different clothing so fixed to the bike.
Not fixed to the bike in a way that they stick out and get hit.
Not narrower than the handle bars.
Self charging.
Virtually weightless.
Zero aerodynamically influential
Free
100 effective.
Can this happen? doubt it.
Some indicators might sell to commuters or those with electric bikes but otherwise. Dead horse being well flogged again.
Sorry