Although it’s useful addition, I don’t think it will ever take away the need for arm signals also.
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Hi everyone this is today the first of Jan I know this video won’t be going out on the first of Jan but I’ve decided because I’ve been a little bit rough over the Christmas period to try and get some exercise to clear this cold out but
While I’m out here on my bike I thought I’d take a quick look at a helmet that I’ve been sent this is not a sponsored video um I’ve been sent this by unit one and uh it’s because I’ve helped them out with something so it has got a decent
Feature that I want to talk about today this helmet it’s got indicators so how this works is you’ve got a controller here which I’ve put just to the side of um my bike control it’s a little bit awkward to place it on this particular model but it’s reachable
Here um and quite simply as you’ll see I can press the left indicator and the left indicator on the helmet could comes on for 5 seconds and then goes off and obviously if you press the right the right one comes on as well now um there are a few different settings that you
Can have you can change all this stuff on your phone um you can actually get the indicators to cancel um like I’ve got after five or you can actually set the controller up on the handlebar as long as it’s level that it actually senses when you’ve turned left and then
Straightened up it cancels the indicator um I think that personally I decided not to do that because I wouldn’t trust it um I haven’t tried it but I wouldn’t trust it unless I’ve given a go in some some probably safer situations I’m going to
Go out and have a little go at this on the road but there’s no in the world that you want an indicator on that’s misleading that’s worse than not having having the signal on so I’m going to go and have a little ride around and we’re
Going to see whether you can see it from uh from the back easy enough and I’m going to have a little talk about it the helmet does come in different sizes I’ve got the massive size as normal with my big ad um comes in different colors as well I’ll leave all
The links in the description of this video um but like I said it’s not a sponsor video I’m just uh doing this cuz I think it’s the potential um which way should I go out I’m going to go out over this way um I think it’s a
Potential good little thing that um some manufacturers can and should actually put not only into helmets but actually on the bikes as well if you’re signaling on a bike there are certain scenarios where taking your hands off the handlebars is going to be nothing but problematic now I’m just going to take
Care around here it is a there play area probably shouldn’t even be riding here but honestly as long as you’re sensible it’s not a big big deal um but yeah signaling when you’re on a bike can be a little bit problematic especially with the roads that uh that we’ve got here in Liverpool
They terrible now I am not going to ride here let’s just this Mount to get myself on the road properly and then we’ll get going Okie Cy so look at these holes in the road unbelievable all right just turn my lights on on my bike although it’s
Uh daytime still it’s a little bit dull uh I’ve got lights on on my helmet so why not uh why not stick them on the bike cu cost you anything so I’m going to have a little go at this I’m still going to check I’m still going to do me
Observations that there’s a nice display showing me that it’s still on that’s a that’s a result I’m going to put it on again as well so if it’s just on for 5 seconds that’s probably the minimum that you would require a signal um but you don’t want to like I
Said be faffing to take this off if um if you had steering to do so I am going to do a right turn there we go now did I press the wrong one there possibly I think it did with my thumb I think I pressed the left momentarily so
That’s one little thing that you got to be careful love this isn’t positioned brilliantly for this particular bike might have been able to adjust things over um but then I think maybe um I think maybe I would have had problems getting to the brake so it wasn’t ideal
Gloves not a big problem with the control that we’ve got not too bad at all um like I said I’ll be interested to see how visible it is from the back as well okay so I’m going to turn left indicator’s on and the good thing about this as well
Is that you’ve been sat here for a little while you might then decide to give signal you can also change the pattern of the signals um there’s loads of things you can play about with to be honest um I just put it on what I thought was the most visible now let’s see
Whether now we had a little issue there because the people behind if my signal worked didn’t seem to really work with it interesting and it felt as though I needed to put uh an arm signal on so it’s not going to be something that you stop your signals your arm
Signals having a a helmet like this and and indicators um as we’re having a little look at today it’s not going to be something that’s going to get rid of them um you still do need to put them on as we uh found out there remember with any signal that you put
On I’m going to go fast I think I am remember with any signal that you put on um it’s got to be seen and acted upon not just on your part putting it on and then thinking wow I’ve signaled I’m all right um and that is the key to to any
Signal you still can’t get away from your uh your observation and communication and I’m going to do a right turn at the next satellite so just thinking about it it might be a nice little idea I’m not going to put it on yet I’m going to
Probably just wait till I get past these entrances and then I’m going to put that on knocked my uh assistance up a level that’s why it’s shot off going to stick my uh right signal on again okay um like I said it takes a little bit of different different thinking just to
Rely on a flashing lights me personally although motorists and car drivers and van drivers and all the drivers um should be looking out for any signal it’s not a common one to have a flashing indicator on the back of a cyclist helmet like said I just think it’s a an
Extra as opposed to listen you know we’re not going to bother with arm signals anymore still think arm signals are the way to go as we uh as we saw a little bit before as well when I used the one on my helmet and then uh had to
Put the uh the arm signal on to get myself over into lane two okay the helmet does seem pretty well made though they got expensive no bones about it um I don’t think I would have paid the money for this particular helmet just to have um some flashing indicators on
But if uh if everything was built like that um I suppose other people other motorists and other Road users would be a little bit more used to it now I’m obviously out on the himay and it’s got front and rear lights that um can be turned on with um with
The bike you don’t have to charge them up have a look at this pothole Jesus um see yeah the front and rear lights um come on with the bike which is great but um this him away has also got this Cruiser has also got brake lights as well so when I do slow
Down it does illuminate the uh the back light at a higher intensity which is good um so when you want to press the brake it’s not when I uh just stop pedaling but you can use that as a control um but if they’ve integrated those
Things for me would it be a big thing for bike manufacturers like him away to then indicate or p no sorry integrate indicators I don’t think so I think uh possibly that’s one thing that we could uh could see going forward but like I’ve just explained and demonstrated I don’t think
Uh don’t think the drivers um necessarily going to be looking for them on a push B I know they’re pretty pathetic in uh myute on The Voice scooters that we’ve got in uh this area no one uses them anyway not the voice scooters but the uh indicators so about to go up my
Indicator again one little thing that may have been problematic before as well was when I was looking to do the lane change what was I having to do with my head movement was turning around that may very well have not um made the indicators on the back of the helmet
Visible so it’s not a perfectly designed system and again I think that just backs up the fact that I said before it should be supplementary I think I’ll do a right turn I’ll put the lights so remember the misleading signal isn’t good so what we’re going to do is
Uh in fact I might even go around that Tu it in behind a motorcyclist yes I am so I waited on the signal until I was pass and then before we go I’m going to stick it on again here we go Don’t forget the signal is not necessarily to people just behind to people in front as well so um that’s another thing that you got to be mindful of this is another I wouldn’t say downfall but it’s another restriction with the signals on this uh on this unit one Faro
Helmet i’ like said big thanks to unit one for sending me this though um it is something I am going to use I think to be honest I’m going to keep my other helmet that I’ve got it has got lights on as well my ex
Nito um I’m going to keep that from a mountain bike and uh I think I’ll keep these little uh indicators on this him away and maybe use this uh this helmet for this purpose but thanks a lot for tuning in everyone keep safe keep observing keep talking to
People as well I’m talking about on the road keep communicating honestly don’t put yourself at any risk I’ll see you soon ideal time to get an early signal on just to pre-or people why I’m out here and I’ll do the same again that actually worked quite nicely that time I think deep safe
Oh
38 Comments
ur losing hair big man
ur losing hair mate
Not for me.
Hand signals are far more effective, flexible, reliable and don't add any extra cost. If someone is going to ride on a road in traffic they should be confident enough to be able to make a hand signals.
The only circumstance that I can see when a hand signal may not be possible or preferable is with certain physical disabilities, but in these cases an indicator similar to that of a motorbike would be much better.
I had someone pull out on me at a roundabout when I was turning right and then give me a tirade of abuse because my arm wasn't out! The issue is that the surfaces are terrible, and I want to have both arms on the bars during a right turn, especially my right, that is also where my most effective means of stopping if someone pulls out in front! I was in the right-hand lane, and although I could go straight on from that lane- I am on a bike, why would I use the right lane when the left doesn't involve a lane change, drivers need to look out for clues; my lane choice, my positioning= plenty to indicate where I was going. But on roundabouts I suggest that if you are unsure, you wait until the cyclist has cleared! You may not see the initial signal, I need my hands for balance, steering and braking!
I prefer arm signals because I think not only are they more visible as a signal, but they also make you more visible as a cyclist in general because of how much bigger you look with your arms stretched out. I'm also not a fan of how some people give "shy" signals and try to take up as little space as possible. I like to spread my wings like a peacock 😁 and make my signal as understandable and visible as possible while also being careful to not hit my arms on poles and other vehicles.
Another point I'd like to make is intuitiveness. It looks as though the space between left and right signals is quite small, which means it can be unclear which signal is on and it's crucial. The helmet does have "sweeping" arrows, but I still think it could be an issue.
Confusing which way an arm signal is pointing is almost impossible unles the cyclist made a mistake, and if you are turning right a well timed signal can look as a "barrier" for cars asking them not to pass which also helps with intuitiveness.
Nice idea – but it might have been better with two buttons – one for each side – l and r. – – Visibility – the camera was a bit low, so we got a good view of your backside, but the light band wasn't visible when you leaned forwards a little. From further back – maybe – you need someone following with the camera.
Sorry Ash, I'm all for safety but that helmet just isn't aero and weighs 27.462 grams more than my existing one.
I think the helmet isn't the most reliable position for blinkers, aside from any reliability issues that come with remote controlled and battery operated gadgets. Especially, if you are looking around just before and during your lateral movements and turns, as you should be. Also these only signal towards the back. And as always, ridiculously restrictive rules in the Netherlands and I think Germany too, they prohibit lighting on the head.
Whilst I agree some things can be useful additions, and that it will never take away the need for an arm signal, I genuinely think that this is just an expensive gimmick.
I use Useeme wristband indicators, visible from front or rear. When you stick your arm out the band starts to flash and stops flashing when your hand returns to handlebars. Not cheap but very effective.
I use Useeme wristband indicators, visible from front or rear. When you stick your arm out the band starts to flash and stops flashing when your hand returns to handlebars. Not cheap but very effective.
Is there one for moped/motorbike?
It not very bright.
I have indicators on my back seat below the red smart light, tho looking at motorcycle indicators looks like a better option, make my own, all I need is a lithium ion battery and boost converter 3.7v to 12v etc and would have indicators that are a lot more visible
Can you give us a follow-up review on the Crazy Bird? I'm looking at getting one and would appreciate it if you tell us if there have been any issues.
I think these lights would be a lot more helpful at night, and it would maybe be better if you could choose that it has to be manually cancelled like motorbikes, and since you have the little screen at the front it should be fine. Still think indicators should be above the wheels not on the head, like on the frae just after the mudguard instead of having just a single light make it a bit wider and some indicators on it
Cool helmet. £170 is expensive. My bike already has indicators.
I'm thinking that a rear view camera and screen for the cyclist would be a higher priority for me than the indicator helmet.
I wear glasses, and it is really difficult to get a clear idea of what is behind me because my neck doesn't turn like an owls., and glasses don't really do peripheral visions
Happy New Year Ashley and the Ash followers – have a safe 2024
The Livall indicator helmet is cheaper and looks as good if not better. The indicators are clearer.
I don’t think it’ll probably be seen on a helmet and especially since the head would constantly be moving about. I think it’ll be more visible if it were placed near the wheels, a bit similar to how motorcycle are.
Technology looking for a solution. I have tried these and motorists just don't see them. It's hard enough for some to see a cyclist, let alone an indicator that with a slight headdown, riding style is more indicating to the birds.
This is obviously a poor idea. If you need to use the indicator then you need to turn your head and check that it is safe for you to carry out the maneuver, thus taking the signal partially or fully out of view of anyone behind. Only use for a light indicator on a bicycle is for poor visibility conditions when an arm may not be seen. And then it needs to be fitted to the bicycle, and not put on an item that is often being rotated.
The cost is probably 3 times more than most people's bikes cost.
They would be better off making them more reasonably priced rather than giving them away to YouTubers to do their marketing!
Not sure on helmet lights. You are very upright and a more tucked position would make them hard to see. There is a steep hill approach to my house on a busy road where I need to turn right but need my front break as it is so steep the rear alone is over powered and can't control my speed. indicators would be a great idea but there is nothing commercially available that is not more than a gimmick or child's toy. I run shimano hydraulic 160mm disc breaks but anything over a 10% hill needs both breaks to safety regulate speed so hand signals are not a safe option.
As a supplement yes but not instead of hand signals , my husband expressed that this was a great idea but would continue (if he had this ) to use hand signals . What we both believe would be a great add on too as my husband is lit up like a Christmas tree when on bike but arm lights , that are either constantly on or flashing so drivers catch the movement . These would be great to have on forearm so if signalling they are an extra to see and are great for side view . But the more you promote the ideas you do maybe less incidents will happen . 👍
When I’m on a motorcycle I don’t overtake near junctions, but drivers appear unaware of the danger of over taking a bicycle at junctions. They should hold back because hand signalling can be hazardous on a bicycle – you can’t keep your hand outstretched for long periods of time trying to brake and steer with the other. There’s definitely a case of having proper indicators on a bicycle.
As a cyclist, I would prefer it if I could see the indicators are actually working. Although indicators are rare on cycles, so motorists wouldn't expect them so may be of little benefit.
I always try and signal, but as you say, I don't like taking my hands off the handlebars, especially as it puts your hand further from the brake!
Of more use would be gloves with sweeping leds up the middle finger, operational when extended!
I have a helmet that has this for my commute. I have given up using the indicator just use the lights. As others have said you still need to use hand signsls for drivers in front. So i use a pair of proviz gloves which are super reflective.
Every few months a bit of cycle tech with indicators comes out and disappears without a trace. If a driver sees a flashing light on a cyclist, they won't connect it with indicators. Pointless. Just use your hand and/or road positioning like your supposes to.
3:50 Coming from a path you can cycle on wouldn't that be considered access rather than riding on a pavement, same as driving over the pavement to access your driveway?
I think I would only buy that helmet to protect my head. Car drivers are not to used to regular indicators on a push bike, let alone a helmet. Maybe someone could develope lights which fit on the wrists and are motion sensitive.
Good video on how to cycle correctly and safely.
Indicators on motor vehicles are visible from the front, sides and back, while this is only visible from the back. Other problem is I've seen someone with this helmet and it just looks incredibly dorky (and I say this as a nerd myself). My mind immediately jumps to Cylons lol.
The main issue I encounter using hand signals is with oncoming drivers ignoring my right turn at mini roundabouts and ploughing across my path. This helmet wouldn't help in that situation as it's only visible from behind.
Other road users are expecting hand signals, so that's what I give them.
i would designate this downright dangerous as it's not an expected signal. you fiddle on your handlebar instead of a hand signal on a bicycle people will think you want to go straight
Putting a hand signal out is still the better option. Difficulty is indicating when you are at a junction with lights. You can either stand there withj your arm stuck out for 2 minutes or indicate as the lights change. Neither are good. What I do is position in the lane according to which way I am going, either left, centre or right.