I have now established that one of the major problems with cycling is safety
How did you do that, Adam? Would you tell us?
I am now looking into the current problems that are faced with cycling lights.
Because you can make cycling safer with better lights?
I have a survey...
Of course you do...
...that I would really appreciate if you could fill it in, the point of the survey is to establish what problems you have with current lights you use and what you think could be improved.
I've filled in your survey and I'm going to tell you again what's wrong with cycle lights:
The batteries need to last longer and they need to focus better. They need to be more durable and they could do with being easier to fit to a bike, but less easy to steal. In other words, I'd be quite happy if someone would make them faster, better or cheaper - preferably all three.
But do you know what? That's a job for
engineers rather than product designers. Bike lights are pretty bloody good right now (I know - I use them) and what's going to make them better is battery and lens technology, microprocessor design and materials technology. 'Product design' comes a pretty poor second place to those rather important disciplines.
I will be looking back at this thread daily to give replies and would appreciate any further thoughts to discuss on here.
Okay, you asked for it - so here are my thoughts:
Stop telling everyone that cycling has a major safety problem. It doesn't. Cycling is an inherently safe activity and the number one threat to the safety of cyclists are people who operate motor vehicles.
Stop making it seem like it's a cyclist's responsibility to improve their overall safety through buying more and more safety-related equipment. It's not. Cyclists are, on the whole, a pretty safe bunch of individuals and you're perpetuating a culture of victim blaming that's not helping anyone.
Go invent a self driving car and do us all a favour