Students to pedal glow-in-the-dark bikes
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Tue November 27 2001
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Posted Nov 27, 2001
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Students in Florida have invented a glow-in-the-dark bicycle complete with luminous wheels.
It uses the same technology that makes wristwatch faces light up.
The bike is visible from up to 600ft away.
Christopher Niezrecki, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Florida, worked on the project with his students.
The glow is powered by a battery under the seat which can last for up to four hours, even when the lights are used continuously.
He said: "Drivers need to detect that there is something in the road, posing a hazard. Second, they need to recognise that what they have detected is a bicycle."
Riding after dark is thought to be around four times riskier than riding during the day.
The bikes could sell for as little as $70 (about £50) and bikes already in use could be fitted with the panels.