What are they?
Bike lights reimagined.
How will they change my life? As the nights begin to draw in, so too comes the sinking feeling in the heart of every cycle commuter as thoughts turn to winter gear. Not only does this mean staying warm and dry as you negotiate filthy weather in the morning or evening, but also ensuring you're highly visible to other road users.
A quick straw poll of fellow cyclists found many admitted to cutting back their pedal-powered commutes during winter, a factor which has prompted government and independent research into safer ways to travel in darker conditions. One of the most impressive products to emerge in this genre is Brainy Bike Lights, which are founded on scientific study and have four key distinctions called "brainwaves".
The first and second work on the basis that the use of a bike symbol provides quicker and more accurate identification of cyclists, helping them stand out among urban light clutter at night and during the day. It is also said to help speed up reaction times in drivers. The symbol is said to allow swifter identification of cyclists so drivers can respond to their presence on the road.
The third, meanwhile, is designed to trigger relevant associations in drivers' minds, including vulnerability and recognition of the cyclist as a person. The fourth gives optimum visibility with 100 per cent of the light and symbol being seen through 180 degrees via the use of edge lit technology.
Good points? The lights are simple to install, from battery insertion to mounting them on the bike. Illumination is provided by five powerful LEDs which have various lighting modes including intense flashing to differentiate you from static road lights such as cat's eyes.
The front light battery lasts up to 50 hours, with the rear lasting 200 hours in flashing mode.
The response among other cycle commuters has been overwhelmingly positive, and a couple of motorists have remarked that they think the design is a strong idea and caught their attention.
Bad points? Placing too much confidence in the design could be a bad thing. No matter what slick gadgets or glaring high-vis clothing we possess, every cyclist needs their wits about them at all times. My big fear is it could dilute those much-needed survival instincts.
Best for … Anyone looking to continue commuting through the winter. The lights would make a great Christmas gift for any cyclist.
Avoid if … You prefer a less bulky device to cart around.
Score: 9/10.
l Brainy Bike Lights, £36 (sciencemuseumshop.co.uk)
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