A car manufacturer has created a prototype jacket which lets cyclists communicate their emotions to other road users using emojis.
The jacket features a large LED panel that allows the user to display their mood – whether they’re happy, neutral, or worried while travelling. Indicators, and a hazard symbol can also be displayed to make other road users aware of the cyclist’s movements and possible dangers ahead.
The functions can all be controlled without the cyclist removing their hands from the handlebars, using a wireless remote, featuring independent buttons which can be mounted and removed from the bike.
The design has been created by Ford, in partnership with industrial design specialists Designworks, and is part of the manufacturer’s ongoing ‘Share the Road’ campaign.
Emoji expert Dr Neil Cohn PhD says the jacket creates “an important emotional link” between cyclists and other road users.
