Seeing is believing: Our Safety Priority

Along with the quest for global sustainablility, safety is a priority to Team Pedalus. Team Pedalus wishes many Human Powered Vehicles to be used on the vast road infrastructures available to cyclists today. Unfortunately for cyclists, an obvious danger lurks when sharing these efficient pathways with large motor vehicles.

Recumbent bicycles and tricycles are low to the ground and naturally have a lower frontal area for better aerodynamics which seems to make them less visible. Due to the unique design, it is often thought that recumbents are more dangerous than upright bikes. Luckily for recumbent cyclists, the opposite has been found true. Over thousands of miles and the experiences of many cyclists, we have found drivers to be more respectful of the “cool” and “awesome” recumbents. Because the sleek and odd designs of recumbents differ so greatly from familiar upright bikes, drivers tend to recognize the unfamiliar shape of the new machines and give them much more respect than our higher counterparts.

Although the sleek designs of recumbents have been found very visually attractive, Team Pedalus believes that enhanced visibility is the key to safety and has begun testing new methods and technologies to make recumbents and other human powered vehicles stand out. So far, Team Pedalus’ Tadpole Tricycle has been equipped with front and rear LED lights capable of being seen from over a mile away, bright yellow pannier covers, a Team Pedalus flag, reflective tape and of course multiple reflectors. These affordable additions to Team Peadlus’ Trike have dramatically increased the visibility and safety of the vehicle.

We believe that human powered transportation can be as safe as or even safer than motor vehicles by employing enhanced visibility modifications along with advanced spatial awareness and cycling techniques. We will continue to enhance safety techniques and technologies of Human Powered Vehicles and report our findings to you here on Pedalus.org.