Ford unveils emoji Jacket for cyclists

[T675Rich]

Ford have created this jacket that pair with some buttons on your bars that can display emojis and a few other symbols to help cyclists communicate with drivers as:

"By indicating the feelings and intentions of a cyclist, Ford claims the jacket could help to “ease tensions” between drivers and cyclists, potentially reducing accidents."

I'm not convinced that the majority of drivers would change how they drive around cyclists if they know they are happy but the indication arrows (if used correctly) could be helpful.

https://www.bikeradar.com/news/ford-emoji-jacket/

 

[LeetleGreyCells]

As the article states, "While we appreciate the notion of improving communication between different road users, we can’t help but feel that the jacket once again places the responsibility on cyclists."

 

[Milkfloat]

In my view it is pure nonsense, probably more dangerous and victim blaming, but heh flashy lights.

 

[Threevok]

It's this I take issue with

it’s no wonder that tempers are lost, and conflicts arise as our ability to communicate is locked behind windscreens and inside helmets”.

Unless they are talking about full face helmets, cyclists have no problem communicating.

Some even have middle fingers, should the need arise

 

[confusedcyclist]

Had to check, I thought it might have been an April fools. I hope no one will be flashing their aubergine.

 

[ianrauk]

Companies seem to think cyclists are an easy touch when it comes to buying their crap. But then again. Perhaps people do by it in sufficient numbers to make the manufacture of it worthwhile. I don't think so.

 

[MartinQ]

Ford have created this jacket that pair with some buttons on your bars that can display emojis and a few other symbols to help cyclists communicate with drivers as:

"By indicating the feelings and intentions of a cyclist, Ford claims the jacket could help to “ease tensions” between drivers and cyclists, potentially reducing accidents."

I'm not convinced that the majority of drivers would change how they drive around cyclists if they know they are happy but the indication arrows (if used correctly) could be helpful.

https://www.bikeradar.com/news/ford-emoji-jacket/

How about fitting an electric shock to their cars / drivers which cyclists could trigger.
No chance of misinterpretation then :-)

 

[confusedcyclist]

Anything to stop motorists from having to actually go out of their way to empathise with other road users.

 

[Threevok]

Is there a squashed face emoji ?

I (like a lot of commuters) wear a back pack

 

[confusedcyclist]

Is anyone else concerned that the sad or angry face is on the rider's back, and by the time you've been close passed and/or tossed 15 meters into the air, it's a bit late for an updated emoji? Well, at least there's a solution here for the usual 'the other cyclists didn't wave/smile/say hello back' threads. He had an angry face, duh!

 

[winjim]

What a terrible idea.

 

[Drago]

I find a cheery wave, a middle finger, or clear and concise hand signals prior to manoeuvring (after suitable observations) conveys all these emotions and intentions, without spending money on a stupid jacket, and without distracting my attention while fiddling with controls.

 

[Andy in Germany]

The Bike Snob is massively and vocally unimpressed.

 

[Globalti]

The idea that a driver would see an emoji let alone understand its purpose is as bonkers as the idea that a driver might see a mirror and alter their behaviour.

 

[winjim]

What a terrible idea.

I have to say I made this comment after skimming the article during my break at work. Now I've had time to look at it properly and watch the video it's even worse than I thought.


Big orange arrow means 'pass me on this side'