(Note: the 10uF capacitors and 470kΩ resistors can be varied, as they control how quick the LEDs blink, see step 3 for more details)
Bicycle turn signals zip#
Zip ties or old bike light strap to fix the lights to the saddle and the control switch to the handlebar.2x AA batteries or 3.7V 250mAh (or simimilar) rechargeable battery.1x Three Positions 3 Terminal SPDT ON-OFF-ON Mini Toggle Switch.Most NPN hobby transistors will work fine! Red LEDs could work as well, but orange is the usual colour for turn signals in cars, so easier to recognise. 10x 5mm orange LEDs, cheaply available everywhere.Similar cases of different sizes and colours are readily available online and in electronics stores! Pretty much any kind of case will do, the one we used is this one.The total cost of all the components including a case will be around $/£/€ 5, but you probably have most of them lying around! The components are very simple and inexpensive, the case can be made from scratch or recycled, and the tools are commonly available (check your local hack/make-space!). Having the turn signals doesn't guarantee your turn is going to be expected, but when combined with safe riding and extra hand signals, it will be much easier to spot, specially when it's dark. (NOTE: this project tries to make cycling a bit safer by adding turn signals to your bike, it doesn't replace a good set of front & rear lights. This instructable participates in the Bicycle contest, have a look and give us a vote if you like! Our idea was to pack together a (more or less) neat set of lights, trying to keep the cost as low as possible! This is hardly a novel idea, there are loads of commercial and DIY products like this, and can be found very cheap online.
This motivated my friend and I to build an electronic turn signal, which will be placed close to the rear light with a control switch in the handlebar.
Bicycle turn signals drivers#
There is however another issue when riding on the road: turn signals! There is a hand signal convention, but I have the feeling that many drivers don't understand it, or maybe it's dark, or you're not confident to take your hand out of the handlebar. Many of us use bikes for commuting and leisure, and many of us suffer from long and dark winters as well! If that's the case, you probably have a pair of bright front & rear lights, which make spotting you much easier for drivers and other road users, making cycling much safer.
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