Admittedly, the trend of fitness tracker brings positive
influence to motivate customers to maintain their fitness. Now there are many
people who go to work using bicycles, but there are also some people who
reluctant to use it due to safety reason.
Not because the cycling is unsafe, but the environment that
often doesn't support the cyclists. Perhaps the cyclists have been very
careful, but the motorists can still harm them due to the lack of lighting on
the side of the road.
By bringing a mission to reduce the accident rate of
cyclists, Garmin introduces a new product line called Varia. So far, Garmin
Varia includes two types of products, and both are aimed at creating a cycling
space that's safer than before.
The first product is Varia Rearview Bike Radar. This radar
system consists of two parts: a display unit mounted on the handlebar and the
light transmitter on the rear of bicycle. The transmitter can detect the
presence of a car or motorcycle from a distance of 140 meters, and then
increase the brightness level automatically while there is an approaching car.
At the same time, the display unit can display information
related to the vehicles that approach the cyclists. The chances of accidents
will be displayed via LED indicator; the bigger the chances, then the LED color
will turn red. Thus, the cyclists can immediately pull over before something
bad happens.
The second product is the Varia Smart Bike Lights. This bike
lights take GPS data from the compatible Garmin Edge devices, and then shine
the light automatically according to the speed of the bike. The faster you
drive, the farther the spotlight beam, and vice versa.
At the rear, the Garmin Varia lights can operate in standard
mode or blinking. When the cyclist brakes, then the lights will be brighter to
warn the other drivers behind. You can also add extra rear lights to be used as
a turn signal; the direction can be adjusted via remote control or compatible
Garmin Edge devices.
Garmin Varia product line is scheduled to be shipped in the
third quarter of this year. Varia Rearview Bike Radar is priced at $300, or $200
for its transmitter unit only. While Varia Smart Bike Lights will be sold for $300
along with a remote control unit, or separately for $200 for the headlights
alone and $ 70 for the rear lights alone.