Brake light system reacts to bike slowing, even if not using brakes

**Bob** · 14th May 2013, 23:49

Slowing down using engine braking is a common device used by motorcyclists. Just one problem; the brake lights are not activated to let following traffic know you are slowing down.

The solution: Vololights is a brake lighting system for motorcycles, that illuminates even when the rider is slowing down by downshifting or using engine braking.

Vololights is comprised of eight red LEDs, a microprocessor, and a 3-axis accelerometer, which is stored under the numberplate. It can, after being calibrated, detect any noteworthy decrease in speed. An algorithm running in the microprocessor is designed to filter out false alarms, such as when the rider is slowing the bike while descending steep hills.

If the rate of deceleration indicates a normal braking scenario, the Vololights’ two rows of four red LEDs will flash alternately at a rate of two times per second – this just alerts drivers to the fact that the motorcycle is slowing. If the bike decelerates very quickly, however, the lights will flash five times a second

The designers are now raising production funds for Vololights, on Kickstarter. A pledge of US$79 will get you a system, when and if they’re ready to go.

**Drew** · 15th May 2013, 07:01

I really can't see the point in this. Anyone so close to the back of me while I slow down gently without brakes, should be going slow in traffic situations anyway.

**Haggis2** · 15th May 2013, 07:42

If you want to let traffic know you're slowing down, touch the brakes on to bring the light on without actually braking. Simple really and doesn't cost US$79

**Akzle** · 15th May 2013, 16:50

i did wonder what was missing from my bike , now i know. flashing lights.

and i was wondering how much more annoying to other road users i could possibly be, i think i'll get two.

**idb** · 15th May 2013, 18:02

There're all sorts of accessories that bikes don't have.
Boy racers have got all that cool stuff at Supercheap to spend their money on, I want spinning hubs on my Ducati!

**Drew** · 15th May 2013, 18:05

Originally Posted by idb

There're all sorts of accessories that bikes don't have.
Boy racers have got all that cool stuff at Supercheap to spend their money on, I want spinning hubs on my Ducati!

They can't have these though...

**scumdog** · 15th May 2013, 18:10

Originally Posted by Drew

They can't have these though...

Almost there - I've got wheel-less hubs!

**idb** · 15th May 2013, 18:17

Originally Posted by Drew

They can't have these though...

Pretty cool, but those two $10,000 bearings (!) sound shagged already.

**Drew** · 15th May 2013, 18:20

Originally Posted by idb

Pretty cool, but those two $10,000 bearings (!) sound shagged already.

There

is another way to do it. By sorta having a rail around the edges of the rim, and bearings that clamp them. Drive is a bit messier that way though I think.

**Subike** · 15th May 2013, 18:47

Originally Posted by Drew

They can't have these though...

that thing could only travel in straight line.
How the fuck would it turn left hand corner? ride on the chain?
What a dumb fuck Idea for a bike, May bee an American one, sorry scummy

**Drew** · 15th May 2013, 20:02

Originally Posted by Subike

that thing could only travel in straight line.
How the fuck would it turn left hand corner? ride on the chain?
What a dumb fuck Idea for a bike, May bee an American one, sorry scummy

Ummmm, THE WHEELS HAVE NO CENTRES. Who the hell cares how it rides, that is engineering for the sheer fuck of it, and looks SICK.

The other system I've seen used, has gears or rollers running the inside of the rim for drive. So although it is a hundred finger job to assemble, your concerns are addressed.

**Daffyd** · 15th May 2013, 22:33

Originally Posted by Drew

I really can't see the point in this. Anyone so close to the back of me while I slow down gently without brakes, should be going slow in traffic situations anyway.

"Should" being the operative word!

**Drew** · 15th May 2013, 22:49

Originally Posted by Daffyd

"Should" being the operative word!

The situation I was talking about, is not what you imply, I don't think.

I'll put it differently. If a car is catching me too quickly for whatever reason, it's because I'm on the brakes. (Little red light is redundant).

If traffic is moving at a crawl and I don't need my brakes, how would he be going fast enough for it to be an issue.

Little red lights, mean sod all to unobservant drivers. Ask any cyclist. (I hate cyclists).

On that note, lets not make ourselves look more like cyclists, which SHOULD be off to the left of the road...Not that the cunts on bicycles think that.

**idb** · 16th May 2013, 08:37

Originally Posted by Drew

The situation I was talking about, is not what you imply, I don't think.

I'll put it differently. If a car is catching me too quickly for whatever reason, it's because I'm on the brakes. (Little red light is redundant).

If traffic is moving at a crawl and I don't need my brakes, how would he be going fast enough for it to be an issue.

Little red lights, mean sod all to unobservant drivers. Ask any cyclist. (I hate cyclists).

On that note, lets not make ourselves look more like cyclists, which SHOULD be off to the left of the road...Not that the cunts on bicycles think that.

I think cyclists look cool.
That's why I wear lycra when I'm riding...I know everyone's looking at how cool I am.

**Daffyd** · 16th May 2013, 11:00

Originally Posted by Drew

The situation I was talking about, is not what you imply, I don't think.

I'll put it differently. If a car is catching me too quickly for whatever reason, it's because I'm on the brakes. (Little red light is redundant).

If traffic is moving at a crawl and I don't need my brakes, how would he be going fast enough for it to be an issue.

Little red lights, mean sod all to unobservant drivers. Ask any cyclist. (I hate cyclists).

On that note, lets not make ourselves look more like cyclists, which SHOULD be off to the left of the road...Not that the cunts on bicycles think that.

I was alluding to the usual inattention of the average motorist. I was in no way criticising your comments. No offence intended.