Turn signals on a bicycle: varieties and tips for choosing

Road safety depends on each of us. Using turn signals on your bike will clearly indicate your intentions and avoid misunderstandings on the road. The best models of wireless handlebar-mount bicycle turn signals will make you visible even in bright sunlight. Let's see what types of turn signals exist. Tips for choosing this part will help you make the right decision with your purchase.

The main task of every road user is to be predictable. This concerns cyclists first of all, because they are not protected by a strong steel body. You can indicate the direction of the turn with your hand, but this method is not always safe, since you sometimes need to release the steering wheel with your dominant hand. Also, it is impossible to indicate the direction of the turn for a long time, and drivers may not notice a short wave. In addition, before turning, you need to brake, for which it is advisable to use both hands.

These problems are solved by special turn signals. With their flashing light, they attract the attention of drivers of other vehicles, thereby increasing safety.

But such details are not without their drawbacks. Of course, additional spending will be required. In addition, the turn signals have a certain mass and, therefore, reduce speed. And inexpensive models are visible only during the day. Using gestures in the daytime and turn signals in the dark will protect you as much as possible from collisions. These accessories are recommended for frequent dusk or night driving. Especially the direction indicators are essential for the e-bike. This type of transport moves quickly enough, often on the same road as cars. In this case, following the traffic rules is highly recommended.

Usually the turn signal consists of 2 orange direction indicators and a red marker between them. The latter is needed to separate the light flux so that the signals of the pointers do not merge. For this reason, the width of the device should be as large as possible. It is usually attached to the rack or seatpost. The device is controlled by buttons or a toggle switch... The buttons are more convenient, since they are located closer to the hands, but the design of such a control unit is more complicated.

The toggle switch is usually placed on the stem, but it can also be installed near one of the grips. There are models built directly into the steering wheel... This is the best option, since the direction indicators are located far from each other, their light does not merge and is visible to all road users. The disadvantage is that they are difficult to find on sale.

This is a further development of turn signals, and they are devoid of many disadvantages. Their light is much brighter than that of their wired counterparts. This makes it possible to use not only in the dark, but also in bright sunlight. The absence of unnecessary wires not only makes the bike more aesthetically pleasing, but also eliminates the risk of damaging the wire on a branch or other obstacle. In addition, installation is greatly simplified.

Wireless direction indicators are more reliable because all components are hidden inside the case. The presence of additional functions, such as a laser or emergency gang, is also a significant plus. In addition, some models allow you to recharge your mobile phone or player. And the most advanced turn signals are equipped with an accelerometer, so that the light can turn on automatically when braking or turning. There is only one drawback - the high price. Therefore, such turn signals are used by experienced riders or cyclists.

This accessory can be made with your own hands, and you do not need to have a lot of knowledge in electronics. This option is ideal for design purposes. As materials, you need 2 flashing yellow or orange lights and a non-flashing red border that is installed between them. It should be noted that the distance between the direction indicators should be the greatest. You will also need a toggle switch, preferably waterproof. Well, wires, clamps are also needed. You will also need solder, rosin. The main tool is the presence of a soldering iron. Then you will need a screwdriver, a pocket knife. It will also not damage the glue gun.

Simple rear bicycle lights are great donors. The main thing to do with them is to bring the control button out of the body, to the toggle switch. Well, it doesn't hurt to remake them from red to orange. These light pointers can be attached to the feathers of the rear triangle or stapled together.

Next, we attach a toggle switch to the steering wheel. You need to correctly choose its location so that it is convenient to use. We make the battery compartment separately or use a ready-made one in the case of our turn signals. We connect all with wires, covering all joints with hot glue or heat shrink. We check the serviceability of the product.

Predictability is the most important requirement for all road users. Competent use of direction indicators will ensure a comfortable and, most importantly, trouble-free driving even in heavy traffic.

In the next video, you will find an overview of the turn signals and brake lights for the XC-408 bicycle.