A brand new navigation device that aims to make negotiating city streets easier on a bike is being launched via a Kickstarter page today.
Beeline is a handlebar mounted Bluetooth device that uses a rider’s phone to show them the direction they need to travel in to reach a given location – cutting down on those endless street corner map checks that tend to accompany rides in strange cities.
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The smart compass lets you pick your own path, rather than telling you exactly which street to go down, and also tells you the distance to the destination.
BeeLine’s aim was to reduce the complexity of urban journeys – and you can even set waypoints, should you want to be sure to stop off somewhere specific on the way.
Earlybird prices come in at £30, half the recommended retail value, and the device works with iPhone and Android devices.
Mark Jenner, co-founder of BeeLine, said: “Many of us can relate to journeys when we start cycling, only to stop a few minutes later to check the map on our phone. We felt this stop-start style of journey, following strict directions, was taking the fun out of cycling and one of the main reasons we started getting around the city on our bikes – the freedom. We wanted to create a device, that guided us, but still put us in control of our journey and encouraged us to find new and interesting routes.”
The waterproof device sits in a plastic case and is secured by a silicone strap. A folding screen means it can be stowed safely, or even attached to a keyring. The device uses an ‘e-paper’ screen, to ensure it gives clear and crisp information in all light conditions, and there is a backlight.
Tom Putnam, co-founder of BeeLine, explained: “We have worked very hard on the design to ensure BeeLine slots seamlessly into a cyclist’s lifestyle. We’ve been working with an industrial design agency and electronic engineers to get BeeLine to where it is today, and now we’re launching on Kickstarter to raise funds to go into mass production. We are very excited to be bringing BeeLine to the Kickstarter community.”
