Student crafts his own BYOBL: Bring Your Own Bike Lane laser

Much as many of us would like, it is unlikely we will have bike lanes on every road anytime soon. But for those times when there isn’t even a dash of brightly colored paint on the road a technology student from the UK has created a product that creates a visible bike lane, of sorts, as you ride. Now, this might not be the type of laser you had hoped for when reading the headline, but it’s a start.

In an effort to address this issue and promote cyclist safety, Ibrahim Cam, a final-year Industrial Design and Technology student at Brunel University London, has developed an interesting new product called Laser Lane.

Inspired by the alarming statistics surrounding cycling accidents and injuries, Cam sought to create a solution that would boost cyclist visibility and confidence on the roads.

Laser Lane, the brainchild of 23-year-old Ibrahim Cam, is a handlebar device that offers a multi-functional approach to enhancing cyclist safety. The product easily attaches to both ends of the handlebars and features a touch-activated laser lane system, front and rear lights, and indicators.

One of the features of Laser Lane is its bike lane system, which creates a visible indicator lane for space on both sides of the cyclist. This innovative design not only helps increase cyclist visibility but also provides a clear cue for motorists to maintain a safe distance when overtaking cyclists. Adhering to the guidelines set forth in the Highway Code, the laser lane emphasizes the recommended 1.5 meters of space between vehicles and cyclists during overtaking maneuvers.

Furthermore, Laser Lane boasts touch-activated front and rear lights that enhance the visibility of cyclists in low-light conditions. The front lights emit a bright white beam, while the rear lights emit a vibrant red glow, enabling motorists to differentiate between the front and rear of a cyclist. Additionally, the product includes a capacitive touch-activated indicator, allowing cyclists to effectively signal their intentions when turning.

“The laser lane is intended to increase the visibility of cyclists and to improve communication with other road users,” explained Ibrahim Cam. “The capacitive touch-activated front and rear lights are on the end of the handlebars, so drivers can tell the true length of a bike, and the laser will show motorists the clearance that they must give cyclists.”

The unveiling of Laser Lane took place at the annual Made in Brunel exhibition, where final-year students from Brunel Design School showcased their innovative creations. Held at the Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf in London, the exhibition provided a platform for students to present their designs to industry professionals and the broader creative community.

Ibrahim Cam’s motivation to develop Laser Lane stemmed from his personal experiences as a newly licensed driver. Witnessing frequent disputes and misunderstandings between cyclists and motorists, Cam recognized the need for improved communication and safety measures. His aim was to create a solution that would foster a safer and more constructive interaction between drivers and cyclists, surpassing the limitations of traditional hand signals.

“I used to cycle when I was younger, and when I started driving to university, I began to notice the constant disagreements between cyclists and drivers. I started to see it more and more, and I know that it is particularly bad in London,” shared Ibrahim. “I tried to give cyclists as much space as possible, but seeing how other drivers interacted with them made me think about it more.”

Ibrahim believes that Laser Lane’s contribution extends beyond individual safety, envisioning a positive impact on the environment. By increasing cyclists’ confidence and encouraging more people to embrace cycling, the product aims to reduce carbon emissions and alleviate traffic congestion. “Less experienced cyclists might not feel confident enough to cycle at the moment, but if they feel safer on the roads, then they will cycle,” Ibrahim explained. “Getting more people to cycle will reduce their carbon footprint and result in less congestion on the roads.”

With Laser Lane, Ibrahim Cam has introduced a unique device that might not provide any physical protection for cyclists but would provide an additional option for increased visibility as a cue for drivers to steer clear.