Let there be light for motorcycles

Mike Dickenson shined light on a new technology that enables motorcyclists to enjoy their two-wheeled companions without worrying about disappearing into the dark.

“You see a lot of bumper stickers that say ‘check twice for motorcycles.’ That’s because the biggest problem for every single one of us is not being seen,” said Dickenson. “Some of my friends never ride at night because they’re worried that they’ll get hit by a car.”

A new system of active side lighting called Lunasee can decrease this problem. It uses photo-luminescent tape that goes around both sides of the wheel and charges under a UV light on the fender. The tape is made from the same kind of material found in glow-in-the-dark stickers.

"Lunasee creates those iconic rings of light that immediately identify us as a motorcycle to other vehicles," said Dickenson. “It’s an easy way to be seen.”

A spinning wheel glowed onstage at his side at the American International Motorcycle Expo, or AIMExpo, in Orlando on Oct. 19. Dozens of people were drawn from other areas of the Orange County Convention center to find out what it was.

“This would really make me feel a lot safer at night than I do now,” said motorcyclist Jon Conner. “My wife would probably still worry about me, but I’m sure it’d give her at least a little peace of mind, too.”

Although Lunasee was originally designed for bicycle tires, Dickenson realized that it could help a lot of motorcyclists after he learned how to ride his first motorcycle. From that moment on, the company became determined to keep motorcyclists safe.

"I can't believe I've never seen this before! I want to show it to bikers everywhere!” said Roy Craft, a New York motorcycle safety teacher, who now plans to make it available in his classroom.

Many people use various colors of neon lighting on their motorcycles to create interesting visual effects, but Lunasee is the first lighting system of its kind. The aesthetic reminded many AIMExpo goers of Tron, which impressed some just as much as the safety factor.

"All bikers fear not being seen in the dark and too few can afford customized neon lighting. This is a perfect alternative," said Dickenson.