Volvo is launching its LifePaint reflective spray, aimed at increasing the visibility and safety of cyclists on the road.
It follows a successful limited pilot back in April 2015, and will be available in participating Volvo dealers from 24th October in time for darker nights, when the clocks go back. The reflective spray is designed to react to a car's headlights, alerting drivers to the presence of cyclists in the dark.
The unique illuminating safety paint is invisible by daylight, but in the dark reflects light in the same direction as the light source, shining brightly to illuminate the objects it has been sprayed on. The LifePaint is transparent, can be washed off and can be applied to clothes, shoes, helmets, pushchairs and children's backpacks - even dog leads and collars.
The product, first distributed through six London bike shops, ran out within 24 hours creating massive demand for wider distribution. The inspiration for the paint came from Intellisafe - Volvo's pedestrian and cyclist detection system, enhanced to work in darkness on the all-new Volvo XC90 which was introduced to the UK in June this year. The technology uses a combination of radar sensors and cameras to identify other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists and automatically brake if the driver fails to take the necessary action.
Nick Connor, Managing Director at Volvo Car UK, said: "Every year more than 19,000 cyclists are injured on the UK's roads. At Volvo, we believe that the best way to survive a crash is not to crash at all, and are committed to making the roads a safer place by reducing the number of accidents. "Volvo is a world-leader in safety technology, and we are proud to be extending our reach beyond just those driving our cars. By making cyclists increasingly visible as well as increasing the safety capabilities of our cars, we are doing our utmost to protect everyone on the road."