A digital shield to protect cyclists

The Shield TL is a bicycle light with a difference: Its distinctive form promises to make the bike highly visible to car radars – a digital shield to protect cyclists.

The Collision Avoidance Systems (CAS) fitted to new cars is a virtual co-pilot for drivers, a radar that looks out for potential hazards on the road ahead – great if it’s a skip on an unlit road, not so good if it’s a cyclist as the bicycle is hard for the technology to detect.

According to the makers of the Shield TL the number of car models equipped with CAS technologies has more than doubled in the last three years.

The Shield TL enhances the radar signal received by a car and makes the bicycle more visible at a far greater distance. The technology is compact, lightweight and can be engineered into commonly used cycling products that mount on the rear of a bicycle.

The Shield TL is currently available to pre-order via Kickstarter, initially to American postal addresses only.

It’s unusual to find a motorist who admits to being a liability behind the wheel, but statistics give a true reflection of driver standards and how digital aids – and ultimately, fully-autonomous vehicles – will help to protect vulnerable road users. The Institute of Advanced Motorists looked at data on 700,000 road traffic collisions and found that poor driving and driver error was under-reported; in its reporting of road deaths the media understandably focuses on speeding, drink driving, mobile phone use and tailgating.

The reporting form used by police at the scene of a collision allows for the recording of up to six of the factors which are considered to have contributed to the accident occurring.

Contributory factors in serious collisions

Driver error: 65.3% (of which, ‘Failed to look properly’ accounts for 20.5%,
‘Failed to judge other person’s path or speed’ 11.6%, Loss of control 34.0%, Poor turn or manoeuvre 12.0%)

‘Injudicious’ action: 31.4% (of which breaking the speed limit accounts for 13.9%, Travelling too fast for conditions 15.9%)

Behaviour or Inexperience: 28.0% (of which Careless, reckless or in a hurry accounts for 17.2%, aggressive driving 8.3%)

The data is a subjective indication of the causes of collisions, but the results can be used to highlight areas for further investigation, and for drivers, the need to pay more attention. A failure to look properly, excessive speed and factors such as ‘careless, reckless or in a hurry’, could all be addressed by a calmer, more measured style of driving.
In a nutshell, slow down and look properly.

Bicycle insurance that’s different

Cycle insurance from the ETA offers a comprehensive level of cover at a competitive price and includes up to 90 days European plus 60 days worldwide cover as standard.

We never devalue your bike or charge extra for things like third party liability, personal accident or friends and family cover. On top of that, we have a sympathetic policy on storage in sheds and garages.

For over 26 years we have been providing straightforward, affordable bicycle insurance and earlier this year we were voted ethical.

Find out more about why we are different. Get an instant quote or call our friendly team on 0333 000 1234.