Scots cyclist invents speed clock for bikes

Veteran cyclist Euan Mackenzie has invented a cycle light that he believes could save dozens of lives a year. Picture: agency

Veteran Scots cyclist Euan Mackenzie has developed a prototype back light that displays a cyclist’s speed to following drivers.

If a bike slows down, the speed is displayed three times brighter than a normal bike light – alerting motorists to take greater care.

Mr Mackenzie, a software engineer from Edinburgh, described four personal near-misses this year alone.

The number of accidents involving Scots cyclists increased by 9 per cent in 2012 to 901, with nine fatal.

The VeloCityLight, which is the size of an iPhone, has a launch price of £50.

The inventor said that the idea had come to him while he was driving, as he had no idea how fast cyclists were travelling and when they were stopping.

After pitching his idea to a group of friends, they set to work building a prototype and are now launching their idea via Kickstarters, an online resource for inventors. The group now hopes to raise £40,000, to begin production.

Mr Mackenzie said: “I’ve been cycling for 30-odd years. Drivers have no concept of the speed cyclists are travelling at. We want it to save lives.”

A spokesman for the AA was more cautious. He said: “This light might be useful for speed bikes travelling at up to 40 miles an hour, but I don’t think this will really be for the average cyclist.”