A Basingstoke inventor has developed a new device to help make the country’s roads safer.
An illuminated helmet wrap designed by Martin Dover from Old Basing has sparked interest from Hampshire County Council and the police.
Now in its final phase of testing, Mr Dover hopes to see his design hitting the streets.
The wrap covers all cycling helmets but built into the fabric is an electroluminescent wire that lights up and is visible for up to 300m.
Powered by two AAA batteries, the light can work for more than 140 hours.
Since November teams of up to 30 county council community safety patrol officers (CSPO) have been testing the device.
And members of Basingstoke police station’s cycle squad have trialing a customised version, which flashes blue lights.
Paul Hayes, community safety manger at Hampshire County Council, said: “The wrap illuminates officers during the hours of darkness, so it increases their visibility to the members of the public and enhances all officers safety whilst carrying out their patrols within the community.”
Mr Dover said he started working on his idea two years ago when he teamed up with Martyn O’Brien to bring the device to life.
He said: “The learning curve we went through to make the final product has been huge.
“We have had to teach ourselves patents, trademarks and all the work that goes with it.”
And the CSPO’s on the ground have given the device a glowing review.
In Basingstoke the 16-strong team help police crackdown on anti-social behaviour, fly tipping, and underage drinking.
CSPO Paul Bowman, who works around Popley, said he has been trying out the device since November. He believes the wrap has helped his work.
He said: “I found that it has broken down barriers in the community. It has made us more approachable to kids.
“Youngsters come up to us just to know what it is all about.
“On a bike it is good to use. Because it’s bright, we can be seen, so it’s a lot better to have it than not to have it.”
