Ending the Crash Cycle: Preventing Cycling Incidents with Consumer Technology

The Project

Across the world cyclists are dying at an alarming rate. What is considered a relatively safe activity is producing over a thousand fatalities yearly in the US alone, that are as much as 37% preventable. The cost of each crash has been steadily rising as well, coming in at an average of $77,308 in 2013. Worse yet, there is currently no device that effectively decreases the risk of crashing for cyclists, and bicycle helmets have been shown to be potentially ineffective at preventing fatalities. A device to effectively prevent crashes and fatalities is urgently needed. I hope that my device can encourage more people to safely bicycle, and in turn be able to experience the many physical, emotional and monetary benefits of biking. Studies conducted by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) have shown that having more active cyclists in a country directly correlates to fewer fatal crashes. I hypothesize that this is because as more people cycle in an area, the government of that region will be more inclined to pass and enforce public policy assisting those who cycle. Another relevant statistic from early studies is that higher helmet usage in countries may lead to higher fatality rates. I excogitate that this is due to helmet-wearing cyclists thinking that they are "invincible" indirectly when wearing a helmet, when in reality helmets will not protect you from all head injury. I hope that my device can help reduce the number of cyclist crashes, injuries and fatalities and be another crucial part of a safe bicycling regimen. This project researched the effectiveness of a bicycle safety device I constructed with the BBC Microbit and the Ultrasonic::bit. Overall, in comparison to the Garmin Varia, a currently commercially available device, the device performed favorably, and is much more economical, easy to use, durable, and effective. The final features I incorporated into my device were a proximity sensor, clock, temperature, fall detection, and radio assistance. For my proximity detection feature, it is designed so if an object is closer to the vehicle, more lights would appear on the LED screen. I also programmed a companion app for iOS and Android that includes a map and recommended routes, automatic 911 calls after falls, audio warnings for approaching objects, emergency information for first responders, and configurable settings. I designed my device mainly for children riders as adults are already the subject of much current research; however, adults certainly can use it too, as a user-friendly device is beneficial for everyone. I decided to use TypeScript in the Microsoft MakeCode editor as I am most familiar those technologies. I incorporated into my program many configurable settings. These include time format (12-hour time or 24-hour time), and compass (simple or complex direction format (e.g., North vs Northeast), whether to show exact number of degrees). My device was improved over many iterations. I went through multiple trials of testing and re-coding, checking what could work, and often creating many smaller testing apps. Throughout the programming process, I encountered multiple challenges. Firstly, I needed to create an organized system to “scroll” the menu of the device, in order to allow the user to navigate between the distinct functions of the device. Secondly, I had to code my device to run as efficiently as possible, to save battery and improve performance. On my journey of working towards these two goals, I encountered multiple problems. Firstly, there was not enough storage space on the Microbit, as my program had become too complex for the device to process. Secondly, the Bluetooth Low Energy function of the device was not working, most likely due to a firmware issue which I could not control. However, I was able to successfully overcome these issues. I shortened and refactored (simplified without reducing features) my program to under the maximum storage size, and I replaced the Bluetooth function with radio instead. I also needed to work out multiple challenges when creating the hardware of my device. Firstly, I wished to create a device that was durable. I placed the front of the device inside a plastic container and added soft packaging foam to lessen the effect of bumps and shaking and stabilize the device overall. Secondly, my project needed to be waterproof. For the back of the device (the ultrasonic sensors), I created an overhang for the sensor to protect it from rain. For the front (the LED screen), I added an on-and-off button and two waterproof button extensions. Finally, I designed my hardware to be environmentally friendly. I used many reused materials, such as plastic packaging for a smart switch, a lollypop stick, a takeout container, and unused cords. I placed the ultrasonic sensor of my device onto a back bicycle seat I had already owned. Although I consider my device generally production-ready, there are a few points where it could be hypothetically improved. Firstly, the Microbit could be upgraded to Version 2. I used Version 1 for my initial prototype due to the hardware not being available. Upgrading to Version 2 would provide the ability to have sounds play when the sensor detects close activity (directly on the device instead of through a companion app), a music function, and another input button, which could be used for a “confirm” button. Version 2 of the hardware is also up to 8 times faster, has double the storage, and a new CPU, along with Bluetooth 5.0 support. It would also bring the ability to increase the battery life by decreasing the brightness level. Secondly, I plan to add a servo motor to the back of the device, allowing the ultrasonic sensor to rotate, therefore having a greater range of detection, of up to 180°. Thirdly, the addition of a long-range ultrasonic sensor along with the Ultrasonic::bit is possible. This would allow the device to have a range of approximately 300 meters for all objects, while maintaining accuracy of short-range detection. Finally, logging of the movement of the device can be implemented, similar to airplane black boxes. This benefits investigations after bicycle crashes regarding who is at fault, and can assist in insurance queries or court cases.

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Team Comments

Across the world cyclists are dying at an alarming rate. A device to effectively prevent crashes and fatalities is urgently needed. I hope that my device can encourage more people to safely bicycle, and in turn be able to experience the many physical, emotional and monetary benefits of biking.

Firstly, my program had become too large for the Microbit. Secondly, the BLE antenna was not working due to a hardware issue. However, I was able to successfully overcome these issues. I shortened and refactored my program, and I replaced the Bluetooth function with radio instead.

Firstly, I plan to add a servo motor to the back of the device, allowing the ultrasonic sensor to rotate and have a greater range of detection. Secondly, I wish to include a long-range ultrasonic sensor. Finally, logging of the movement of the device can be implemented, like airplane black boxes.