Inspired by Mitchell Silva’s Globars, our friend Becky at Adafruit created a DIY version of his illuminated bicycle handlebars. To make your own, you’ll need about two meters of LED strips, a waterproof DC power cable set, 8 x AA battery holder with batteries, clear handlebar tape and some other common maker supplies. And if you want to make your own, of course Becky has the full project writeup at Adafruit’s Learning System.
Matt Richardson is a Brooklyn-based creative technologist, contributing editor for MAKE magazine, and co-author of Getting Started with Raspberry Pi. He's also the owner of Awesome Button Studios, a technology consultancy. Highlights from his work include the Descriptive Camera (a camera which outputs a text description instead of a photo) and The Enough Already (a DIY celebrity-silencing device). Matt's work has been featured at The Nevada Museum of Art, The Rome International Photography Festival, Milan Design Week and has garnered attention from The New York Times, Wired, and New York Magazine.
Get the print and digital versions when you subscribe
Interesting idea – this could be used on part of the frame too – make a bike safer at night without much added weight.
Thanks for sharing.
It’s nice but I can think of two or three minor improvements; one, instead of just AA batteries, why not use rechargeables and integrate a trickle-charger connected to a dynamo on the wheel? Recharge as you ride.
Secondly, add a second line of red-coloured LED’s and put them around the back of the bike, facing rearwards, thus giving you even more safety on the roads.
Great project though, and when I finally get a new bike, I’ll be giving this a go!
Nice idea, well constructed. Only issue is with the wrap around set, I’m sure that the light shining up into your eyes at night would dramatically decrease your visual acuity when you need it the most. Most bike lights focus the beam away from your eyes.
Nice look Becky and we will know its you from a mile away, maybe even on a inbound or outbound flight.
Pingback: Texas Bicycling Blog and News Roundup for July 21st « Texbiker.net
Pingback: Bonus Quick Hits « A Bodey in Motion
// What's Trending
Raspberry Pi Design Contest
Teardrop Camper Trailer
Dad Builds Son an Iron Man Arc Reactor
Seventeen Sneaky Secret Hides
What to do with an 800 Lb Eucalyptus Slab
10 Things to Connect to Your Raspberry Pi
Farm Drones Take Flight
What does this 2×6 have to do with Father’s Day?
// What's Shared
A better way to slice a pumpkin
DIY Nerf Darts
100 Dollar Store Organization Ideas for Craft Rooms and Beyond
In the Maker Shed: Minty Boost USB Charger
Mad’s Mouse House
Lace Princess Crowns
I Have a (Puzzling) Dream
Play the Rings of a Tree Trunk Like a Record
// Most Commented
Plastic Bags into Plastic Blocks: Revisited
10 Hot New Boards to Watch
Why the Maker Movement is Here to Stay
MAKE Asks: Roadside Hacks
DIY Hacks & How To’s: Convert From Battery Power to AC
Ten Tips for Hand Saws and Blades
How To Make Your Own Laundry Detergent
Watch This Apartment Building on Governors Island Go “Boom!” and Implode