Monday, December 22, 2008

skateboard cam for bike helmet mount


http://www.mopo.ca/2006/12/snowboard-freebord-skateboard-hands.html
The Action Sports Hands Free Camera.
This small, lightweight, shock-resistant and waterproof video camera can be clipped to a helmet, handlebar, ski pole, snorkel, or just about anywhere else, allowing you to capture hands-free video footage without distraction while snowboarding, skateboarding, skiing, cycling, or snorkeling. The camera records at 15 or 30 frames-per-second and includes 32 MB of internal memory which can store up to 11 minutes of footage at 160 x 120 QQVGA or 640 x 480 VGA resolution, and it has an SD card expansion slot so you can add up to 2 GB of memory for 13 hours of additional video storage. The camera connects directly to a television for video playback, or footage can be downloaded to a computer via USB cable (requires Windows® XP/2000, 128 MB RA M, 800 MB free hard disk space). Camera mounts include a U-shaped clip and hook-and-loop fasteners to grip arms, legs, helmets, or bike frame tubes. Includes RCA and USB cables. Requires two AA batteries. Ages 8 and up. 4 1/2" L x 2" Diam. (5 oz.)

Duty Free to Canada- Click for details
Item 73304 ................... $129.95
SOLD OUT
Due to the popularity of this item, we are unexpectedly sold out.

D: this has a few uses.
1) a 20 minute version would cover to/from work on commute.
a) getting cut off for Hall of Shame
b) record traffic accidents
c) misc. unexpected uses.

This reminds me of a cyberpunk novel named "Snowcrash" by Gaimen.
Actually, since the corporate dystopian near future is simply accepted, I'd argue it is the first post-Cyberpunk novel. Anyway, I think in that book that grannies wear live web-broadcast cams in realtime. They form neighbourhood watch groups like good busybodies.

I think I'm the only guy that prefers old B&W CCDs for work like this.
Much better low-light sensitivity.
I converted my old webcam to see in the dark that way.
Combined with a hug or even handlebar display, you have 'stealth mode'.

http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/20/cerevellum-bike-rearview-monitor-might-be-a-little-overkill/

We've seen some bike-centric GPS devices and sound systems in the past, but we've never seen a device that actually encourages you to ride around while staring down at a screen -- which is probably the fatal flaw with the Cerevellum bicycle rearview monitor. The prototype unit shown here features a 3.5-inch screen and a 4-hour battery life, along with 32MB of storage for workout data and four USB ports for expansion modules. The Cerevellum is expected to cost some $200 when it goes into production, and the company says it's developing GPS and heart-rate monitor modules to ship soon after -- all far better uses of a handlebar mounted screen than a rearview camera that accomplishes nothing a quick look over the shoulder can't get you, we think.

D: use with infrared filter/ light source and head mount and you have 'night vision option'.

D: using it like the rear-view-mirror integrated bike helm might be interesting too.
http://www.gizmag.com/go/4855/

http://www.reevu.com/leisure_product.asp
D: not sure if this passed the local safety tests.
But since I'm more interested in avoiding v.s. enduring an accident, not so bad.

http://www.amazon.com/Cycleaware-Viewpoint-Eyewear-Mirror-Round/dp/B00012345A
D: finally, a wee mirror that attaches inside yer sunglasses.
One on each side and try to sneak up!






Thursday, December 18, 2008

nifty reflective nylon tape

http://gizmodo.com/5113146/retroreflective-bright-bike-looks-black-glows-white-in-headlights

D: my bike has bits of reflective tape on strategic locations.
Plus on my luggage rack I tacked on a coupla big-truck style reflectors.
Those strips of red and white.
In fact, my bike reflects from every angle.

Not that that helps much if somebody pulls a rolling stop/ no - look combo.
Which is pretty common.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

bike lanes commandeered by vehicles.

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/12/new-york-suv-lane.php

D: the problem I have in town is how they pull out of normal traffic without checking for bikes. In a bike lane...
Many harsh words get uttered.

This is a good reason to NOT make bike lanes any wider than a yard.
Too easy to become another traffic/turn lane.

The other problem with bike lanes is when a traffic lane is an actual or de facto turn lane, the bike lane needs to continue over to the left on row of traffic.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

waterloo police for calling dead cyclist silly

http://news.therecord.com/News/CanadaWorld/article/454337

The road was bare and dry at the time, said Sgt. Fred Gregory of the traffic branch, but it was dark.

Martin had a light and reflectors on his bike but was not wearing a helmet, Gregory said. Family say he also wore a reflective vest. He was riding on the roadway at the time.

http://therecord.blogs.com/take_the_lane/2008/12/regional-police-service-apologizes-for-silly-remark.html

"Waterloo Regional Police Staff Sgt. Sue Kenny... saying "Riding a bike with weather conditions like this, it seems kind of silly.... It's common sense."

The apology:
"Our Service strongly supports the rights of cyclists to use our roadways safely, as a responsible and environmentally friendly method of transportation and recreation."

I talked with Insp. Beckett and believe the apology here is heartfelt. He noted that it is amazing how a single sentence can reverse a message, and the message from Waterloo Region Police, he says, should be that cyclists are a part of the transportation community.
-----------------------
D: incredible. Bikes continue to be view as toys, as always just an option compared to a car.
I just decided to winter cycle after all. The bus takes an HOUR each way. I can WALK that fast- and run in half the time. Or cycle in a quarter of the time.
I just lose too much time, trapped on a bus.
My last place didn't have parking. Having never owned a car, the insurance would kill me.
Plus I am not fond of the bus. Trapped with all those coughing sneezing sniffling sick people.
Watching the 'character' interact with folks that really don't want to.
Listening to teen girls say like every 2nd or 3rd word - it's not an interjection folks! Or shouldn't be. Yup, it's safe to say I show up to work an hour later with my blood pressure a mile high from stress.
I just bought Reelights, available from Waterloo Cycles on King Street. They look easy to install and very rugged. Batteries are spotty in cold weather.
I admit biking home tonight felt more like surfing. Once I get my 'sea legs', the training does wonders for off-roading on the Hydro Cut in mud.

waterloo police for calling dead cyclist silly

http://news.therecord.com/News/CanadaWorld/article/454337

The road was bare and dry at the time, said Sgt. Fred Gregory of the traffic branch, but it was dark.

Martin had a light and reflectors on his bike but was not wearing a helmet, Gregory said. Family say he also wore a reflective vest. He was riding on the roadway at the time.

http://therecord.blogs.com/take_the_lane/2008/12/regional-police-service-apologizes-for-silly-remark.html

"Waterloo Regional Police Staff Sgt. Sue Kenny... saying "Riding a bike with weather conditions like this, it seems kind of silly.... It's common sense."

"Our Service strongly supports the rights of cyclists to use our roadways safely, as a responsible and environmentally friendly method of transportation and recreation."

I talked with Insp. Beckett and believe the apology here is heartfelt. He noted that it is amazing how a single sentence can reverse a message, and the message from Waterloo Region Police, he says, should be that cyclists are a part of the transportation community.
-----------------------
D: incredible. Bikes continue to be view as toys, as always just an option compared to a car.
I just decided to winter cycle after all. The bus takes an HOUR each way. I can WALK that fast- and run in half the time. Or cycle in a quarter of the time.
I just lose too much time, trapped on a bus.
My last place didn't have parking. Having never owned a car, the insurance would kill me.
Plus I am not fond of the bus. Trapped with all those coughing sneezing sniffling sick people.
Watching the 'character' interact with folks that really don't want to.
Listening to teen girls say like every 2nd or 3rd word - it's not an interjection folks! Or shouldn't be. Yup, it's safe to say I show to work an hour later with my blood pressure a mile high from stress.
I just bought Reelights, available from Waterloo Cycles on King Street. They look easy to install and very rugged. Batteries are spotty in cold weather.
I admit biking home tonight felt more like surfing. Once I get my 'sea legs', the training does wonders for off-roading on the Hydro Cut in mud.