BIKEPGH MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVE

« Back to Archive
26

Safety wing

Saw this in a related video to the bicycle statistic video that was linked...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Y61hSfp6Mc


Seems like it would really work for establishing a wider cushion for passing. And you can kick it back in if you need to filter through some traffic.




rice-rocket
2011-12-30 18:44:34

I want one of those. I would attach it to my panniers, which already stick out a good 6 inches.


rubberfactory
2011-12-30 20:26:54

I might have a half dozen or so of these at work, unless they were taken as prizes recently. I'll check when I go back Monday or Tuesday.


If there are any left, I'll be glad to give them away to interested parties.


eric
2011-12-30 21:06:13

I've got one of those! I got it in an Iranian bike shop in Paris. They're fairly well known in Europe. I used it for a few years, you definitely get a bit more room from passing cars.


If you want one, you might Google "herrman's bicycle safety wing" FWIW.


Cheers,

V.


Rear View on my Trek830 with the flag deployed:


Side view, same bike, with flag rotated against frame:



It would more normally rotate back (aft) against the rear rack, but with the pannier I chose to rotate it forward.


vannever
2011-12-30 21:15:00

Dude, that's my all-rounder bike I just set up! Trek 830, except somewhere along the line they changed from "Antelope" to "Mountain Track". I love it.


edmonds59
2011-12-30 21:49:37

Different strokes for different folks I guess.


bradq
2011-12-30 22:10:38

edmonds59 - I hope you enjoy it, I have a deep affection for mine. It's a great, strong bike.


The hoods on the handlebars are "bullwinkles" or "pogies" from Madden Mountaineering for winter riding.


Cheers, V.


vannever
2011-12-30 22:38:05

Different strokes for different folks I guess.


I agree it's rather ugly, nor would I ever use one. But I'm not a heavy commuter either. I keep most my road miles outside of the city where drivers are more courteous and have more opportunities to make "clean" passes without inconveniencing others. I only get buzzed a handful of times a year. Other commuters in the city might not be so fortunate.


rice-rocket
2011-12-31 01:30:39

Wow!


I thought the only way I could get my bike to look geekier would be to hand streamers from my handlebars. I was wrong!


OTOH, these could increase safety in traffic and may well be worth it.


I gives a rough estimate of how close we are cutting it, when adding maybe an extra six inches to the side of you bike makes a noticable difference in the clearance cars give you.


mick
2012-01-03 17:15:59

I was considering streamers.


edmonds59
2012-01-03 17:29:24

Someone had an idea for streamers made from reflective material. I would also use those.


rubberfactory
2012-01-03 17:42:16

Dude, Mick, streamers are not geeky. They are awesome. Though I do believe, objectively, you are on the cusp of being cool enough to sport them. If you chose them, you're ok. If you pass... well, I'll still like you.


I want retroreflective pink streamers. with LED streamers mixed in. Could be distracting, having glowing pinkness at my hands. But sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. For safety.


I'd sport the safety wing, I don't think it's ugly (but pink or purple would be way cooler). I think helmets are ugly, but I wear one of those too. Right now I use a bright orange bandanna tied to my handlebars. Not sure if it helps, I choose to believe it does but don't pretend to have any evidence, just an opinion that makes me happy and comfortable.


ejwme
2012-01-03 20:36:16

I found one of these, still in the package.


If more than one person wants it, maybe I'll come up with a contest.


eric
2012-01-03 21:11:40

that is so awesome, I want one.

from the website I see that they

come in different "treatments"


although I think the black and gold would play well here


it is somewhat reminiscent of Arthur from The Tick but that may be an outdated reference. totally awesome.


vannever
2012-03-22 22:58:07

That bike butterfly is amazing! The video made me laugh out loud at the end.


beccameadow
2012-03-23 18:31:05

Author from the Tick. Live action or animated?


marvelousm3
2012-03-23 18:33:10

neither. comic book.


cburch
2012-03-23 20:17:03

"I have pockets! This changes everything!"


reddan
2012-03-23 21:13:08

I've seen this done with a pool noodle.


(This is a random image from the Internet, however.)


Lately I've considered doing it myself, once they start selling pool noodles again, especially since there is now a 4-foot passing law. Get a big sharpie and write "4 FEET PLEASE!" on it. Noodles won't add any noticeable weight, and I have no illusions of looking cool while cycling.


jeg
2012-03-24 03:13:32

I have no illusions of looking cool while cycling.


This is how I live my whole life.


rubberfactory
2012-03-24 03:17:10

"I have no illusions of looking cool while cycling."


SPOON!


headloss
2012-03-24 03:22:13

Yep, I'm with you RubberFactory!


I also enjoy walking around Downtown in a bathing suit and goggles!


headloss: Spork?


jeg
2012-03-24 03:24:38

@jeg: steel, aluminum, or other?


headloss
2012-03-24 03:56:59

Ah, you put a link there now! SPOON!


Plastic, but I should get one of those folding metal ones so the tines stop making holes in my lunchbox/bag...


jeg
2012-03-24 11:50:56