The bicycle has been through numerous design changes since it first emerged in the late 19th century. But if recent efforts at London’s New Designers show are anything to go by, more changes are coming. Here are five of the most interesting bicycle innovations presented at the show, each hoping to change the experience of cycling.
1. SMIDSY by Frankie Chan
SMIDSY is a bicycle light like no other, spanning the entire length of the bike with wirelessly-controlled indicator lights built in. Designed to make cyclists more visible and improve the safety of urban cycling, SMIDSY is fitted to an ordinary bike through a magnetised clip system.
2. Light Guard by Trevor Brinkman
Hoping to improve safety and keep bike users clean, Light Guard is a full-length mudguard with an integrated lighting system powered entirely by the motion of the bike. Light Guard can be fitted to most commuter and hybrid bicycles.
3. Curve Saddle by Katy Koren
The curve saddle is designed to complement the female form, supporting the pelvis and distributing pressure evenly. The torsion spring allows the saddle to tilt forward, reducing the amount of pressure that the cyclist experiences.
4. Weightless Security by Miguel Dolton
Few urban cyclists will leave their bicycle without locking it, and few appreciate the added weight of bike locks. Weightless Security offers a secure place to leave your bicycle, activated by an electronic key – no more heavy bicycle locks.
5. Swing Guard by Alex Burgess
It’s rare for cyclists to have a clean floor beneath their bicycle – a problem Swing Guard is trying to solve. Functioning as a standard mud guard, the device also swings around to the base of the wheel, catching water, dirt, and keeping your floor clean in the process.
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