Beakor is an accessory designed to change the safety game for cyclists. Since most cycling accidents occur at or near intersections, the core of Beakor’s functionality is to ensure cyclists are very, very visible. But there’s a whole lot more going on; from rear view mirror views and laser beam blinkers to HD video recording, this unassuming piece of tech, with the right funding, might just make the roads a safer place. Their Indiegogo campaign just launched in the last hour, so if you want, you can hop on early and show your support.
To begin, there’s the anti-blind spot technology: it projects a laser image on the ground ahead of the cyclist so that drivers can see an image of the rider before they actually emerge from the car’s blind spot.
Then there’s the stuff that leverages an HD camera and a pairing with your smartphone via the companion Android or iOS app. First, the unit comes with a smartphone mount so the rider can simply tilt their head down to check out all the action. First item of action: the live mirror view. This feature provides a live rear camera feed making it possible for cyclists to see what’s behind them without turning their heads or adding clunky mirrors. When combined with the front camera—both ends offering with a wide angle—beyond a live feed, the system serves as a “black box” to provide evidence in case of an accident or for insurance purposes.
Back to the lasers for a second; Beakor is really stepping up the reflector and signalling game. The device offers a strong headlamp, automated brake light, and distinctive blinkers for the front and rear of the bike. But perhaps the coolest feature is the turn signals; they’re ground laser turning indicators. What that means is, they project orange blinking arrows on the ground to notify vehicles where the cyclist is headed. No more awkward arm signals.
One of the most important features is the accident alert system. Sensors are built in and designed to detect accident situations. When a cycling accident has been detected, the system automatically sends an alert containing GPS coordinates to a pre-defined list of emergency contacts.
Of course what would new cycling technology be without some performance tracking? The app also provides live details on speed, average speed, calories burned, ascents, distance, and duration. This also ties into a social networking integration that enables users to share their experiences with friends as desired.
Last, but not least, there’s the sound system feature that allows users to choose the tone for their bike horn. Let’s hope “Steamwhistle” is on the roadmap.
You can snoop through all the Beakor products and paraphernalia on their website, but actual pre-orders of the gizmoare only available on their Indiegogo campaign. The pre-order price starts at $175 for a full system (MSRP of $349), $149 for the individual front or rear systems (MSRP of $200), and $35 for a storage case.
Safe travels, two-wheelers.
