An inventor whose rear light system netted him second place in a top design competition has taken his project to the Kickstarter community.
Edward Ward's adaptable Commuter X4 light, which combines a flashing central light with flexible illuminated fibre optic straps, came second in the British Inventors' Project at the Gadget Show Live over the weekend.
The light was commended for its user-friendly design, its versatility and practicality: it is durable, waterproof and is USB rechargeable. The design, which can be worn straight over the shoulders of over a rucksack also claims to help motorists judge proximity to a cyclists and the speed of travel.
Botswana-born Ward, 27, developed the light after a being hit from behind by a car in London.
After 24 hours on Kickstarter, more than £2,000 has been pledged towards the £16,000 goal, which will help Ward take the Commuter X4 to full production.
The first batch of Commuter X4 lights will be ready for shipping in September – just in time for the European winter.
The Commuter X4 is not the only device Ward has developed. through is company Veglo He is also working a helmet beacon specifically designed to catch the attention of HGV drivers who may be unaware of a cyclist in their blind spot.
It's an invention we're particularly looking forward to seeing.