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FUTURE URBAN BICYCLE
SAFETY SHOULD NEVER BE A LUXURY 


Personal Project
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor MI
PENNY STAMPS School of Art & Design


Roles
Design Researcher, Lead Industrial Designer, Lead Prototype Fabricator

Deliverables
Digital | digital assets
Print | project booklet, project postcard
Product |
functional prototype

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Integrated custom head light and front rack.
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Tail light housing prototype assembly (3D modeled and printed)
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Integrated rear rack with custom tail light

CHALLENGE

1.  Bicycle commuters face a consistent problem of being visible to motorists without added cost.
2.  Current solutions for safety are 'premium' products unattainable to populations who would most benefit from reliable transportation.
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SOLUTION

1.  Create a bike which enables the rider to be visible and communicate intent to motorists in any situation (lighting, weather, etc).
2.  Test manufacturability of  built-in standard safety features using existing technology.
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Bike: Lights Off
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Bike: Head & Tail lights On
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Bike: Turn SignalHandles Activated & Lights On
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RESEARCH

  • Analyze Global to Local Variables of urban/city bike use
  • Gather historical functionality, current bike Trends and other bike related data to inform design intervention and needs
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INSIGHTS
  • Various obstacles in Cyclist-Motorist environmental communication chain
  • 2030 Local travel consists of short trips (<7 miles)
  • Manufacturability is possible,however, current socioeconomic barriers + social attitudes + stigmas = current barrier adoption for majority Michigan
  • Autos still viewed a necessity vs bicycle as a luxury/leisure item
  • Additional infrastructure & slow development barriers in Michigan
Source: Pedestrian and Bicycle Crash Analysis Tool (PBCAT)
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Source: bicyclesafe.com
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Field Research/Observations
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RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

TRANSPORTATION LIGHTING RESEARCH
Motorcycle headlight form observations
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Locomotive form study to translate into bike headlight option
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Additional Headlight Form Studies
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ERGONOMIC RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Safer experience. Implementing switches to avoid rider removing hands from steering and maintain control of bike
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Hand Position: engaging brake
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Hand Position: 'relaxed' or 'at rest'
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Hand Position: engaging turn signal
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Frame Design for future utility and safety
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PROTOTYPE/MODEL BUILD PROCESS

Below: Bike Build and component prep work using various fabrication methods.
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