As a cyclist, I’m always considering new ways to improve the safety and awareness of cyclists and pedestrians. While I’ve had many bike related projects, most began around the idea of bridging a gap of communication between driver and cyclist.

The idea for the open door awareness system came after hearing about the numerous accounts of cyclists being severely injured after car doors were opened on them as they passed by parked cars. I sought to find a way in which the issue could be almost completely eradicated by warning both cyclist / Oncoming traffic and the person inside the vehicle.

By utilizing the existing sensors and lights in many modern cars, or with simple modifications, the open door awareness system works by alerting the driver or passengers inside the vehicle of oncoming traffic in their blindspots or out of view. It does so by vibrating the inner handle as you reach to open the door. In addition, to alert others of your soon to open door, the system flashes the vehicles lights in an effort to bring attention to the cyclist or other oncoming vehicles.

(Independent project, Miles Chilson 2016)