Every cyclist could benefits from improvements in technology. For instance, a force field to protect you from, ahem, reckless motorists would be great, but unfortunately, that might be a few years off yet. So, in the meantime, what can technology do right now to improve your commute if you're a cyclist? The indefatigable Colette Kinsella – herself a keen cyclist – rode the busy streets of our nation's capital for The Business, looking for answers to that very question. One of Colette's biggest issues with commuting by bike is what you have to wear to protect yourself from the cold, from the rain, from the carbon monoxide.
"When you arrive, you'll have that Michelin Man look of a person with too many layers on."
On the first stop of her bike trip to meet inventors and entrepreneurs with an eye on making two wheels a safer and more comfortable option for commuters, Colette met Georgia Scott, of Georgia in Dublin, a company that designs and sells women's waterproof cycling clothes that don't look like cycling clothes. Designed by Georgia's mother Nicola, the clothes are inspired by the cinched waists and elegant lines of the Victorian era.
"We wanted to have something that was very high performance… and that you could hop off your bike and walk straight into a meeting in."
Colette cycled on to meet four tech companies using innovative technology to help make cycling safer and easier. Their ideas and products include a bicycle bell that's a field research tool; a light with onboard sensors that look out for your safety; a street sign that alerts motorists that a cyclist is nearby; and a Bluetooth device that will text you if someone tries to steal your bike. Enough smart equipment to keep you interested while you wait for that force field.
By the way – Colette Kinsella's very entertaining report for The Business features music made by bicycle parts!
You can listen to The Business in full here.