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Dooring Alert System Gets Real with Alpha Retrofit On Kickstarter, Lambda Comes Next

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What began as a slow roll out of a concept more than anything, is now taking shape with an actual product. The Dooring Alert System (DAS) was conceptualized by Nikk Varvaris after a rider died upon being doored – that is, running into the opening door of a car. Thanks to the arrangement of many bike lanes and on-street parking, the threat of dooring is real and something riders in the city have to be constantly vigilant towards.

Since there’s no way to prevent drivers from opening their doors (at least currently, Volvo/POC is working on a door locking mechanism, but that’s another story), DAS is looking at ways to alert cyclists that a dooring is imminent. Now with the first retrofit available on Kickstarter, the concept is looking a lot more promising…

To accommodate all the cars already on the road, DAS is offering the Alpha model as a retrofit. The device consists of two bright LED warning lights that are affixed to the inside of the back windshield, and sensors on each seat belt. The idea is that when a seatbelt, any seatbelt is unbuckled the warning lights will go off. This signals to oncoming riders that the door is about to open, as well as serves as a reminder to the occupants of the vehicle to check for cyclists before opening the door. Once the doors are closed and the car is locked, the DAS Alpha lights will turn off.

Further down the road, DAS plans to introduce the Lambda system which will be built into future car models. The concept adds lights to the mirrors, as well as a few other details that DAS is working on.

Initial DAS Alpha units are going for about $150 on Kickstarter with delivery expected around September 2016. For more details, head over the Kickstarter page.

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Jason
8 years ago

The last DAS post on bikerumor got a bunch of negative comments, mentioning removing the drivers responsibility. I think this system is awesome and would love to see it implemented. The flashing light on the mirror will help remind the driver to check for cyclists and the flashing light on the window will give me a heads up to merge with traffic, win win.

It would be cool if the rear flashing light could be implemented into the existing reverse taillights. And if the light was a bit brighter it may even help light dark streets.

Dsand
Dsand
8 years ago

Here is what they teach in Europe. Open the door with the arm that sits on the center console. This forces your head to turn to see if anyone is coming. No kick starter needed. Send me money.

jay
jay
8 years ago

I like the idea.
The problem I see, is getting a driver to actually buy one. I can see a cyclist getting one because they know the danger. But the average driver most likely wont shell out money for a problem they don’t care about.

JBikes
JBikes
8 years ago

@ Dsand –
That’s difficult to near impossible in the US due to one’s belly girth prohibiting cross body arm movements.

Evan Drakos
8 years ago

Firstly thank you Zach Overhalt, and thank you to the above people for their comments. Im a Director of DAS , and i would like to encorage all to at least head to our website , or even a $1 pledge on kickstarter which automatically registers You onto our DAS Register. The product sell is important however with a DAS register of supporters we can lobby with Govt, Road Safety authorities and Car manufacturers that WE ( especially us cyclists) ALL WANT this product MANDATED as a standard feature on each and every vehicle. So we urge you to consider this very important goal of the DAS group. Thank you and look forward to seeing you on our register. Lets make it safe out there! Regards Evan

Velo
Velo
8 years ago

Stupid idea. Unless 100% of motor vehicles had them, old and new, and the feature could always be trusted to be working. Anyway, motor vehicle drivers aren’t going to pay for the device.

Don’t ride in the door zone.

JBikes
JBikes
8 years ago

I say we support DAS simply for bringing more advertisement to the Chevy SS (for us Americans) than GM ever thought to do.

Gabriel
Gabriel
8 years ago

This is the worst garbage. If every new car truck and van sold was required to have this today, then ok, yes, once 15 years went by and a majority of cars on the road were so equipped then it would be a useful system. But even then the responsibility would still be 100% on the person opening the door.
Goofy flashing lights will never make it safe to ride or drive within ~4 feet of parked cars. Goofy flashing lights will never make it safe to open your door into traffic without looking. Just don’t ever ride in the door zone. It works great.

Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash
8 years ago

I commend the effort for rider safety but come on, in the video the lights are barely visible! The average person could give a rats a$$ about us and a few probably secretly want to cause us harm.. Just ride like you’re invisible.

Juan
Juan
8 years ago

It’s a good idea, but I agree with Johnny Cash: in the day the lights are barely visible. Good visibility at night, but that helps very little. I hope the lights in the video are just prototypes, If not the inventor (and we cyclists still have) a problem.

Shawn
Shawn
8 years ago

@ JBikes They’re from Australia so that Chevy SS is probably (sadly) a Holden Commodore. You’re right about the lack of marketing for the SS which might explain why I’ve seen all of like 2 in the last year. Now if they port over the Holden UTE, then we’ve got something…

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