In order to keep drivers from passing too close, some cyclists use bike-mounted foam “noodles” that extend out horizontally toward the traffic. The L-Bow takes that concept a step further, by applying it to a tail light.
Created by London-based product designer Sean Whiffin, the L-Bow features a flexible articulated body with a reflective strip running along it lengthwise, along with a row of waterproof red LEDs on the end. Utilizing button controls, those LEDs can be set to eight different flashing/intensity modes, putting out a maximum of 130 lumens.
The previous version of the L-Bow (the first-generation model) lacked this feature.
And yes, the whole idea with the thing is that it can easily be bent to extend out to the left or right – whichever side the traffic is on. It can also be bent straight up, for situations where a more traditional tail light is called for.
It’s powered by a lithium-ion battery, which should reportedly be good for up to 45 hours of runtime per charge.
Should you be interested, the second-generation L-Bow is presently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign. Assuming it reaches production, a pledge of £25 (about US$35) will get you one – that’s 40 percent off the planned retail price.
Bendable bike light made to give cyclists some space [New Atlas]