Velalert bicycle Lidar based radar

[jolfstn]

From the makers of the companion bicycle seat (thebikeseat.com) comes Velo+Alert=Velalert. http://www.velalert.com Alerts you of oncoming cars behind you in your blind spot so you can react before it's too late! Website says it's in user testing (how can I become a tester?) seems pretty cool. Wonder about cost. I've used Lidar devices on ships and they are VERY expensive.

 

[2door]

I don't know about that one, jolfstn. And, I'm not criticizing you at all.

I use a rear view mirror and don't have any blind spot. I know there are a lot of people into tech today but my mirror doesn't need batteries, it will never quit working, it's absolutely fool proof and probably cost 1/100th of what that device will ultimately sell for.

But I'm a dinosaur and I don't even see a reason for the same technology in cars. What? People today can't turn their heads to look behind them or up to check a mirror?

I'm sure some folks will buy it. And thanks for sharing but I could find better things to spend my money on.
Again let me emphasize that I'm not poo-pooing on you or your thread, just the tech.

Tom

 

[bairdco]

So, if you ride in traffic this thing's gonna beep at me and blink all crazy?

No thanks. I live in southern california. On any given bike ride, thousands of cars pass me. That'd drive me bonkers.

 

[jolfstn]

very valid points from both of you. Of course it's not necessary nor economically financially practical in all likelihood. In all the company's websites I couldn't find even a ballpark estimate cost of what these units might cost retail. In the last couple weeks I did witness a terrible motorcycle accident that I believe this device could have prevented but that perfect storm of circumstances is admittedly rare.
I just think it's cool and thought others might too. I was lucky enough to purchase a Companion Bike Seat prototype years ago and this device is made by the same people. I know they do quality work. When I find something new and/or unusual that I'm interested in sometimes I'm seized by the compulsion to share and this was one of those times. Bairdco and 2door, after much careful consideration, I have decided you have my permission to not purchase a Veralert device. This does not extend to anything else I may share on Motorbicycling.com but in this one case, I permit a single exemption each. Just don't get used to it.

 

[bairdco]

Well, if it only singled out police cars sneaking up on me, then I might be interested.

 

[xseler]

With the lidar, it might slow down some of the speed demons --- if they've got a detector.....