New bicycling devices offer high-tech safety
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Cycling in Southern California is becoming safer with more bike lanes and a recent state law designed to give bicyclists more space on the road.
There are also a number of new cycling safety gadgets. Will the new technology increase safety or will it have you pedaling your way into problems?
As more and more people are pushing pedals, more tools are designed to keep bikers safe.
"In the past we've had one, maybe two tipping-point new innovations. This year we're seeing upwards of 10," said Gary Boulanger, editor of Bicycle Times Magazine.
Boulanger says tech is trending.
"Some very smart technology that we're seeing is related to crashing," said Boulanger.
For example, a sensor pairs with your smartphone and can detect impact and motion. If it senses a crash, it sends a signal to contact 911.
"You can set the amount of time it takes for the message to be sent to 911," said Boulanger. "All the information is stored in the sensor and all the information is stored in the cloud."
GPS products are getting more sophisticated. One is designed to let you keep track of friends and family on the road, and alert you if someone goes off course or has an accident.
"We're starting to see Bluetooth-activated tracking devices for bicycles, whether it's some sort of a beacon that's on the water bottle cage, or actually built into a lock, or built into an apparatus on the handlebars," said Boulanger.
And new products meant to prevent accidents are hitting the market too, like a new loud bicycle horn that sounds like a car horn.
"We're starting to see a combination of LED lights with horns," said Boulanger.
But remember, there's no substitute for common sense and knowing the rules of the road.
Many of these new gadgets are hitting the market this spring or summer. And some bikes are incorporating new technology too, like electronic shifting that can help make steering and slowing your bike easier, or electric assist for extra push on those tough hills.
