Mike on a Bike: No Bike Lane? Just Use Lasers

Hello and welcome to a new regular column here called Mike on a Bike. 

My name is Michael Theis and I ride bikes a lot, hence the title. 

I'll be using this column to let you know about news relevant to local cyclists in northern Prince George's County and the Washington, DC, area. 

Over the next few weeks I'll be visiting and reporting on a number of area cycling events, including the Hyattsville CX, the Crystal City Diamond Derby, the rolling hoopla that is DC Bike Party, and a peek at BicycleSpace social rides. 

So, without further adieu, here's my first Mike on a Bike column:

Your Own Personal Bike Lane 

Many local governments are trying to figure out how to better incorporate bicycle traffic into the urban and suburban streetscape. 

A first step for many of those governments is the installation of bicycle lanes. The lanes give a visual barrier and try to create something of a protected space for cyclists as they travel down the road. 

And while cheaper than dedicated bicycle highways, bike lanes do cost a bit of money to apply. 

So, if your local government has yet to scrape up the change to lay down bike lanes, why not just bring the bike lane with you?

That's the goal of a number of manufacturers of innovative bicycle tail lights which use lasers to project a virtual bike lane on the ground around the cyclist. 

Now, with lasers being involved and all, you might think these things are pricey. But you'd be wrong. 

According to Gizmodo, your own laser powered bike lane can be had for a mere $20.

Have you had any experience with this new technology? Let me know in comments.