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Thu 23 Oct, 4:46 pm UTC

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Nike glasses to help you see traffic from behind

By Matthew Cole

An American designer has produced a pair of concept riding glasses which aim to let riders see traffic approaching from behind.

The Nike Hindsight uses Fresnel lenses – technology originally developed for lighthouses - to extend the wearer’s field of vision by 25º on each side.

Peripheral vision is distorted in the process, but according to Billy May, the Hindsight’s designer, “as the eye detects only motion in that area, little clarity is lost in the process” .

This means the glasses, if ever put into production, shouldn’t distract the wearer.

The glasses should open up plenty of rearward vision: the glasses should open up plenty of rearward vision

The glasses, if ever put into production, would probably be useful at busy intersections and junctions like this

So, what are your thoughts? Are these going to make the roads safer? Would you ride on your commute with more confidence? Let us know in the comments box below. 

User Comments

There are 14 comments on this post

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 comments

  • Reminds me of some 'Spy Glasses' I used to have as a kid in the 80's that were slightly wider than usual but had mirrors on the inside of the lens. You could see behind you which was cool for a good couple of hours! I think I eventually swapped them for some Parker pens though.

    If these fit as good as normal glasses plus have benefits for peripheral vision they sound like a good idea to me.

  • I think i might have spotted that big red car without the need for nike shades???

  • just wat i need !!! look great 2

  • Looks like the driver has jumped the lights anyway ;-)

  • The reinvention of the Seebackroscope! Cool!

    I'd use them while driving.

  • Cool, do you get the radar sweep as seen in the promo?

    Fresnel glasses have been used in medicine for years to diagnose vertigo.

  • All well and good, but will they be available with prescription lenses? Somehow I doubt it or the expense would be even higher. That apart, some glasses that automatically took a picture of the tw*t that was about to broadside you and transmitted it to the nearest cop-car would be even more useful.

  • Are Nike going to produce some shades that make dirvers more aware of cyclists too? I think that would make the roads a lot safer than these.

  • Good idea.

    Anyone remember those rear view glasses (similar to those spy glasses just mentioned) that you had to send off for from a breakfast creal years ago. I think the cereal was Toppers or something. The worked really well and were just a little wider than normal. Only thing was they made u look a bit of a knob. If only they were re-styled.....

  • Yeah and I won't mind betting the person who thought them up ain't paitented the idea & Nike getting a free design to make shed loads off!

  • Or you could just move your head slightly.

  • if that car is doing 40mph that rider just made him self a hood ornament.. :-(

    glad its not me on that bike......

  • well I've always been of the theory it's better to have and not need rather than need and not have.

    If they save your ass just once they'd of more than paid for themselves but then again as others have said move your head or listen

  • Reevu bike helmets use periscopes and protect the head simultaneously.

  • 1

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