(Independent project, Miles Chilson 2016)   

As a cyclist, I am always looking for ways to improve the safety and awareness of both cyclists and pedestrians. Many of my bike-related projects have focused on closing the communication gap between drivers and cyclists to prevent common but avoidable accidents.

The idea for the Open Door Awareness System came after hearing about the high number of cyclists who have been severely injured when a parked driver or passenger unknowingly opened a car door into their path. Understanding that awareness and reaction time are critical in these situations, I set out to design a solution that would proactively warn both parties and significantly reduce the risk of these collisions.

To develop this concept, I applied human-centered design principles and researched existing automotive safety technologies. By leveraging the sensors already present in modern vehicles or making minimal modifications, the system functions as an early-warning mechanism. When a driver or passenger reaches for the door handle, it detects oncoming traffic in blind spots and out-of-view areas, triggering a subtle vibration in the inner handle as a tactile warning. At the same time, the vehicle’s external lights flash to signal cyclists and other approaching vehicles that a door is about to open.

This project focused on creating an intuitive system that requires little to no behavioral change while maximizing safety through existing automotive infrastructure. By integrating passive alerts and active warnings, the Open Door Awareness System provides a simple and effective way to prevent dooring accidents.