Vodafone Holland has jumped on the smart marketing bandwagon with a smart cycling jacket.
In association with Technical University Delft and the Dutch Cyclist Association, Vodafone has previewed technology that allows cyclists to upload their route onto their phone and then tuck the phone away into a special pocket in the smart jacket to avoid distractions while riding. The smart jacket is linked to a Rasberry Pi device, which is further connected to approximately 300 built-in LED lights. Once the cyclist mounts his or her bike, the jacket recognizes the route programmed through a phone and displays it on the back of the smart jacket, informing drivers and the public in general of the cyclist's next move. This way, surrounding traffic can move around cyclists with increased caution.
The smart jacket proves especially useful in Amsterdam where, based on the Dutch Cyclist Association's research, up to 40% of cyclists operate bikes while using their phones.
The smart cycling jacket is currently being tested on the field, after which Delft Technical University will continue to develop it.
Smart Cycling Jackets
This Vodafone Holland Jacket Creates a Safer World for Cyclists
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