Cars Cutting Me Off: Do Horns Help?

[ebent]

First you need a converter like this one http://www.ebay.com/itm/WaterProof-DC-36V-48V-to-12V-25A-300W-STEP-DOWN-Power-Converter-Regulator-/291626428182

Next you get one of these. http://www.starmarinedepot.com/blue-sea-2723-dualbus-plus-5%2F16%22-stud,-5-x-10---32-screw-terminal/pzz1502.html?gclid=CJLZ07LPlssCFQUIaQod9y8PoQ

You need a splice from your pack. You can buy one from grin. Then your pack to the converter then 12v out to the marine power bus. From the power bus to your bling. Lights, horn, stereo etc and say goodby to aa and aaa batteries...12v is the number. There is a tremendous amount of stuff in that number. That includes motorcycle electric bling...

http://www.ebikes.ca Grin Technology for parts

 

[USAEBIKECO]

I find that there is no way to stop cars from cutting you off. There are aggressive people out there that are really jerks.

Just make sure they can see you by wearing reflective clothing of have lights on your bike.

 

[ebent]

In some situations no matter what precautions you take, shit happens. The best we can do is make an effort to have the highest probability of good outcomes. That is as far as we can do.
A few years ago a guy was riding his recumbent trike over a bridge. There was a bike lane that he was to the right of next to the curb. And a lady on a cell phone killed him going through the bike lane to hit him. The only way to have avoided that was to have luckier timing, or deciding not to go on the ride. Assuming he had all the safety gear. Mirrors, flag, lights, etc. He had done all he could. And more.

But all the other safety stuff will improve your probabilities including the cut off. Because my ride is low, I need a colorful flag on a 6' pole. 4' is not quite enough. I can tell by the frequency of cut offs...

 

[Rassy]

For the dc/dc converter here's one on Amazon for less than $7 if you only need 10 amps or less. Even though the title says 24v, these are rated up to 72V input. These are common on electric scooters for various 12v accessories:

http://www.amazon.com/24V-Converter-Electric-Storage-Battery/dp/B00P7QCV2W

Edit: I use and like the airzound horns. It always works, because I top it off each time I check the air in the tires. If it were to get low during a ride you can tell by the sound and just stop and pump it up with your bicycle pump. I seldom use the horn, but feel more vulnerable when riding without one.

 

[eSurfer]

For the dc/dc converter here's one on Amazon for less than $7 if you only need 10 amps or less. Even though the title says 24v, these are rated up to 72V input. These are common on electric scooters for various 12v accessories:

http://www.amazon.com/24V-Converter-Electric-Storage-Battery/dp/B00P7QCV2W

Great find, Rassy! Thanks so much! It's got only 2 reviews but they are positive reviews, if they were not written by the seller. At that price, might as well buy one just to have.

 

[tomzgreat]

Tomz, It looks like you will need aa and aaa batteries for the lights. More maintenance and expense. You already have the power on board to power your lights and a horn. If I had a non electric ride I would have an airzound. But with power no need to repump and replace batteries. Set it and forget it! Get a 12v converter!

My lights are USB rechargable.

I use this as my strobe light and have a triple light system I bought years ago for my front light.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-SolarStorm-5000LM-2x-CREE-T6-LED-Front-Bicycle-Bike-Light-Head-lamp-Battery-/121794493682?hash=item1c5b847cf2:g:4IEAAOSw14xWOyJ1

Very brilliant lighting.

Just pull the Battery pack off the bike to recharge.

I have my rear lamp on my helmet, so I just recharge the light on the helmet. Made sure to purchase a light with the USB port facing outside.

The 12v would be nifty but I'm not handy so I'm not ready yet to pay to have it done.

 

[beng]

You don't need an airzound and you don't need a DC-DC converter. Apparently all you need is $3: http://www.ebikeschool.com/review-a-super-loud-ebike-horn-for-only-3/

 

[ecycler]

I can confirm as well that the Airsound Z definitely works to make people stop what they are doing. I have a couple problems with it, though.

1. With a mirror, brakes, shifters, throttle, a cycle analyst, headlight, etc. and an airsound all installed on my bars it has made my general commuter look a bit cartoonish with too many accessories. Kind of like Guy Fiara... that dude just has way too many head/face accessories. Bleached, spiked hair, earrings, a gotee, sunglasses. All he is missing is a clown nose.

2. It makes my ears ring sometimes when it is fully pressurized because it is so loud.

3. It slowly loses pressure over time and I can never trust that it will work because I don't regularly check and recharge it enough.

4. You absolutely can not use it with pedestrians on bike trails or from the bike lane or you will deafen them and piss them off like that train horn guy in the video above.


I think my ideal bike 'horn' would be the sound of screeching tires with a selection of 2 different intensities. A squeal for moron pedestrians with 15 foot dog leashes stretched across paths and headphones in their ears to get their attention, a louder screech for more panicked situations in traffic with cars.

 

[Hillhater]

Do horns help ??
Hell, yea !

 

[eSurfer]

I had someone almost take me out in a crosswalk today. Guy wasn't paying attention and turned left right into me. Unfortunately, he came from the right and slightly behind so I didn't see him coming. Fortunately, he noticed someone in the crosswalk just barely in time and slammed on his brakes. Legally his fault, but I blame myself for not watching more carefully. No harm done, but a close call that shook me up and will cause me to be more aware...you can't stop watching for a second.

 

[beng]

I find that there is no way to stop cars from cutting you off. There are aggressive people out there that are really jerks.

Just make sure they can see you by wearing reflective clothing of have lights on your bike.

This is real true! I always make the assumption that the car can't see me. I never like to think "surely they'll see me" cuz I think that's asking for trouble!