Skip to main content

Ford develops Smart Jacket to improve cyclist safety

Ford has developed clothing which has built-in indicators and flashing brake lights for cyclists. Smart Jacket was developed with urban cycling clothing specialist Lumo and mobility software company Tome, and allows cyclists to better indicate their presence and intentions to other road users. The wearable’s navigation app wirelessly connects to smartphones and vibrates the jacket’s sleeves to help riders take the right direction to avoid busy roads.
June 26, 2018 Read time: 1 min

278 Ford has developed clothing which has built-in indicators and flashing brake lights for cyclists.

Smart Jacket was developed with urban cycling clothing specialist Lumo and mobility software company Tome, and allows cyclists to better indicate their presence and intentions to other road users. The wearable’s navigation app wirelessly connects to smartphones and vibrates the jacket’s sleeves to help riders take the right direction to avoid busy roads.

It features audible interfaces and a system which allows cyclists to use bodily movements to take calls, receive messages and repeat navigation guidance.

The product is part of Ford’s Share The Road campaign, whose stated aim is fostering greater empathy between drivers and cyclists.

Ford is now applying for a patent to develop the prototype further.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • TomTom Telematics rebuilds Webfleet for faster fleet management
    February 2, 2018
    Amsterdam-based TomTom Telematics (TTT) has rebuilt its Webfleet solution which is said to carry out a more effective job dispatch while delivering routing, navigation and traffic information when coupled with the new range of TomTom Pro Driver Terminals. The Software-as-as-Service solution comes with an enhanced feature which enables managers to pre-plan specific routes, or avoid certain locations. These routes can then be sent directly to drivers via the TomTom Pro 5350/7350 driver terminals, which can
  • Software is at heart of safe vehicle connectivity, says Qt Group
    September 15, 2023
    Connected vehicle safety isn’t just under threat from malicious actors exploiting code – it’s also about avoiding software faults that could result in harm to people, says Patrick Shelly of Qt Group
  • Mexico improves road safety with speed enforcement programme
    June 7, 2012
    A programme of road safety education and enforcement in the State of Jalisco in Mexico has reduced speed related fatalities by 40% in nine months Speed enforcement equipment will appear in greater number and visibility around the city of Guadalajara over coming months, as the Mexican State of Jalisco expands its road safety campaign. This comes hot on the heels of an initial programme of traffic speed education and enforcement in Guadalajara, which has yielded remarkable results, reducing speed related fata
  • Smart parking technologies: solving drivers parking pain
    March 30, 2017
    Smarter parking can benefit city authorities and other road users as well as drivers looking for a space, argues Dr Graham Cookson. As witnessed by the recent announcements at the Consumer Electronics Show, the automotive industry continues to focus on the driving experience; moving from speed and handling towards safety and efficiency.