Bicycle Radar

The number one cause of bicycling deaths in the U.S. is being hit from behind. But a device called Backtracker is designed to make cycling safer by detecting vehicles up to 400 feet away and warning cyclists of their presence. In addition, it alerts oncoming drivers of a bicycle in their path.

The two-piece device uses military grade radar to sense vehicles approaching from behind. The front unit mounts on the handlebars and displays intuitive data about the distance and speed of advancing vehicles on a series of red LEDs. The back unit, which clips onto the seat post, houses the radar unit and also gives motorists a sense of closing distance by flickering faster and brighter as they get closer. In heavy traffic, when cars are always close, Backtracker helps cyclists identify breaks in the traffic so they know that it’s safe to change lanes without looking over their shoulder.

Pre-orders are being accepted through Dragon Innovation’s crowdfunding site at a price of $149.