Getting “doored” is a leading hazard for all city bikers, and a common cause of street accidents. A system for NYC taxi cabs, comprised of a signal emitter and a small, inexpensive, and ubiquitous bicycle handlebar accessory, would reduce door collisions by warning cyclists of passengers exiting from taxis.
The Door Bell is a small radio frequency receiver that attaches to the cyclist’s handlebars. The device is triggered when a cab driver pushes the button on his or her meter to calculate a passenger’s fare. A taxi meter attachment (to be implemented in partnership with the Taxi and Limousine Commission) transmits a radio signal, which is picked up by any receivers within a 35 foot radius. An audible warning alarm and flashing light alert the bicyclist to the opening door, allowing time to stop or swerve to avoid a collision.
The accessory itself is a small receiver in a weatherproof, recycled polycarbonate housing, which also includes a piezoelectric speaker, a red LED and a battery. It attaches to the handlebar with a simple size-adjustable cinching mechanism. The combination of flashing light and audible signal option makes it effective day and night.
The signal emitter would be installed in city cabs, connected by a port to the fare meter. In addition to sending out a low-power radio signal, the device flashes a “cyclist” icon as the passenger is exiting the cab, reminding all passengers to look for cyclists before opening the door. The signal is emitted for 15 seconds after the meter is stopped by the driver. With a detection radius of 35 feet, a rider traveling 10 miles per hour would have approximately 2.5 seconds to react and avoid the exiting passenger.
The Door Bell would be small and inexpensive enough that it would be seen as a complement to the common bicycle bell. The City could even distribute the accessory free at bicycle-related events to promote cycling as a transportation option, in line with Mayor Bloomberg’s “PlaNYC” for a greener, more sustainable city. By reducing the hazards that intimidate novices and injure even experienced cyclists, the accessory would help make New York a more bike-friendly city.