My quest to make motorcycle riding that tad bit safer
a year ago
- #engineering
- #motorcycle-safety
- #innovation
- The author reignited their passion for motorcycling after a long hiatus, finding joy and inspiration in returning to the saddle.
- A critical safety insight during a CBT session led to the conception of BrakeBright, a smart brake-light system for motorcycles that activates lights during engine braking.
- Existing products on the market were found to be ineffective and potentially hazardous, relying on basic mechanisms rather than advanced technology.
- High-end vehicles like BMW and KTM already use adaptive brake light technology, but BrakeBright aims to make this feature accessible to all riders.
- The development of BrakeBright involved prototyping with motion sensors and microcontrollers, extensive testing, and iterative improvements based on feedback.
- Challenges included sensor accuracy, synchronization issues, and false positives, which were addressed through hands-on testing and refinements.
- BrakeBright was rigorously tested on long rides, including Scotland’s NC500 route, proving its effectiveness in real-world conditions.
- The final product features a sleek design, waterproof and vibration-resistant construction, and user-friendly firmware updates via USB.
- The author expresses pride and satisfaction in bringing BrakeBright to life, seeing it as a validation of passion and risk-taking.
- Future plans include further customization options and community engagement to make BrakeBright a widely adopted safety tool for motorcyclists.