[mscuddy]

Here's an overview of the "BIKE ALERT" system that a fellow paraplegic invented after being nailed on his CBR600. Seems to be a good idea, but I might suggest giving the driver of the car a strong non-lethal electric shock too, as well as the lights and audio signal.

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Product Description

Bike Alert is a radar-equipped device for automobiles that is specially designed to detect the presence of an approaching motorcycle, via a corresponding transmitter on the motorcycle itself.

Design Features

• The Bike Alert was invented by Mr. Ryan Orefice with motorcycle safety in mind. This unique system could be comprised of a passive transmitter unit, used on a motorcycle, and a receiver unit, which would be installed in consumer automobiles.

The transmitter could be a basic shape (such as circular, square, rectangular, or triangular), and would be comprised of electronic components and circuitry enclosed within a plastic casing. To provide power to the transmitter, the device could be configured with the motorcycle's own power supply; as a passive transmitter, it would require no activation on the part of the user.

In addition, the transmitter could be equipped to emit a unique frequency signal to eliminate the possibility of the receiver being inadvertently triggered by spurious signals. The receiver components and circuitry could be enclosed within durable plastic housing and interconnected to the consumers or business vehicle's main internal computer relay with the required wiring.

The aftermarket receiver could be displayed in the vehicle's dash area, in a manner similar to a radio. Additionally, the receiver would be equipped with audio capabilities as well as small, light emitting diode (LED) display. The receiver components could be installed in vehicles at point of manufacture. The components used in the signal receiving circuitry would be frequency selective, presenting minimum impedance to signals generated on the unique frequency transmitted by the motorcycle transmitter.

• Once the transmitting device has been activated, the unit would send signals to every consumer or business vehicle equipped with a Bike Alert receiver within a range of 300 feet.

These signals would emit outward from the front of the motorcycle at an angle of one hundred forty degrees (140°). Upon reception of the signal generated by the transmitter, the circuitry in the receiver would generate an 'enable' signal to a logic device (an 'AND' integrated circuit chip or comparable) which would apply a voltage level to the receiver unit, activating the warning for the motorist. This warning could be achieved via a beeping sound and/or by way of a flashing LEDs displayed on the dashboard of the vehicle.
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Advantages & Benefits

• The Bike Alert could be instrumental in minimizing the possibility of accidents between motorists and motorcycles to each individual car on the road, this clever system could provide an effective warning system that a motorcycle is approaching. As a result, costly and tragic accidents could be prevented and, more importantly, precious lives saved as the Bike Alert is a clear indication to avoid a lane change, and to yield to the motorcyclist as he approaches. Offering both an audible and visual indication that it is, or is not, safe to change lanes, the Bike Alert would add significantly to the safety of a vehicle when driving along streets and highways, which are becoming increasingly congested.​

 

[Kenneth_Moore]

Conceptually, I like this idea. However, I think it's more likely we'll see this functionality included in a larger scenario that includes all types of motor vehicles.

In the past, the focus on collision avoidance has always had a centralized model, with one large scale system managing the individual vehicles. New thinking has each vehicle equipped with it's own intelligence; communicating with it's nearby peers. It's analogous to the old mainframe computing model versus PCs. Your vehicle "talks" to the vehicles around you within a preset range, and they advise each other on course, heading, and speed. Paths that potentially intercept create warnings, then alarms.

The marine industry is rapidly adopting this technology for collision avoidance amongst vessels. The standards have been defined and are being adopted in the marine electronics industry right now. I believe the air traffic control system is also moving to a similar model, but I'm not as familiar with that.

It's going to be hard to get the auto manufacturers, let alone individuals, to invest in a motorcycle specifc collision avoidance system. It's a lot easier (and probably already in work) to implement a more generic vehicle collision avoidance system.