A found that 40 percent of cycling fatalities occur from rear-impact collisions. With help from , cyclists might soon be able to outsource their fear of being sideswiped to .
Backtracker鈥檚 rear-mounted sensor, which has a range of 153 yards, monitors how close cyclists are to cars in their rearview, as well as how quickly those cars are approaching. That information is conveyed wirelessly to a handlebar unit that notifies the rider through light pulses: Slowly blinking lights mean cars are approaching, while frantic pulses mean you might soon see bright lights from inside a dashboard.
The South African team behind (composed of hobby cyclists with high-tech day jobs) is looking to raise $226,000 through and hopes to ship Backtrackers as soon as December. The first 92 funders can get their setup for $149, after which point the Backtracker costs $199.
If it works, the Backtracker is well worth being able to keep your eyes on the prize instead of behind you.聽However, endurance cyclists should take note of Backtracker鈥檚 eight-hour battery life. Ask if they’ll give you a discount for buying three.