Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ridar Systems?
Ridar Systems develops technology to enhance safety for riders (cyclists, scooter riders, motorcyclists) by predicting potential collisions and providing real-time warnings to nearby vehicle drivers.
How does Ridar Systems work?
Ridar Systems uses the GPS data from mobile apps and vehicles in conjunction with cloud-based predictive algorithms to determine when a vehicle and a vulnerable road user might come close to each other. When an interaction is detected, an alert is sent to the driver of the car or truck to remind them to stay alert and allow them to pass safely.
Our system utilizes a two-pronged approach:
- Predictive Collision Software: Analyzes traffic patterns and predicts potential collisions between vehicles and riders.
- Mobile App Detection System: Sends real-time warnings to drivers of approaching riders through user-friendly mobile apps (iOS and Android).
What devices does Ridar Systems run on?
Currently Ridar Systems is available as an app download for mobile phones in both the iOS App Store and the Google Play store. We are working with automotive OEMs to integrate Ridar Systems technology directly into the vehicle’s infotainment systems and their branded connected vehicle mobile apps. Ridar Systems also integrates into bicycle fitness and branded motorcycle apps to be used during rides.
What is a Vulnerable Road User (VRU)?
A Vulnerable Road User (VRU) is typically used to refer to pedestrians, motorcyclists, scooters and cyclists.
Does Ridar need any hardware like LIDAR or cameras?
Ridar Systems requires no additional hardware other than a connected smartphone. Through cellular connection, GPS information from the driver and two-wheeler are sent to the cloud where our algorithm calculates the probability of an encounter. If an encounter is detected, a visual and audio alert is sent to the car’s head unit, alerting the driver for safe passing. Ridar Systems is investigating using the same technology to send alerts to the two wheeled community through their smart bike computers or wearables.
How much computer/battery power does Ridar use?
All of Ridar’s algorithms run in the cloud. The devices used by cyclists such as smartphone, bike computers and wearables will send location information to send alerts to nearby drivers where the technology has been integrated into the vehicle or brought in through a mobile app on their phone. Ridar needs position information at least every 10 seconds for the highest accuracy. This allows app developers and other integrators to optimize battery usage for their specific needs.
Does Ridar work in bad weather? Does it need line of sight?
As long as there is a GPS signal and cell service, Ridar can send alerts. It works regardless of weather conditions and does not require line of sight.
What happens to my data? Does Ridar sell it to third parties?
All vehicle data is anonymized before being processed by our algorithms. Ridar only uses the data to determine if there’s a possibility of an interaction.
Is Ridar only for bicyclists?
Ridar supports any vulnerable road user. This includes bicycles, motorcycles, and other micro mobility devices such as e-scooters. Ridar is able to notify drivers of the type of rider they will encounter, allowing the driver to know they are in range. (e.g. “scooter ahead”, “motorcyclist to the right”). Pedestrian detection isn’t part of our system, but we’re investigating ways to support it in our roadmap.
What if there are a lot of bikes on the road? How are you eliminating multiple notifications from a large bike or motorcycle group?
Ridar’s algorithms are capable of blending alerts for groups of riders or busy areas. We notify drivers to be aware of nearby VRU when they will come close to many riders. It’s important to avoid over-alerting drivers where multiple alerts can become a nuisance.
My car doesn’t have Ridar built-in, can I still use it?
I’m building a new e-scooter, e-bike program. How can I integrate Ridar Systems into my users application so my users will be seen by drivers?
Contact our Integration Specialists through the Contact page to discuss how you can implement Ridar into your systems.
How can I get Ridar into my fleet?
Contact our Integration Specialists to discuss how you can implement Ridar into your systems. Future plans may allow us to share anonymized data with top insurers to enhance their usage based insurance programs, including fleet operators.
Do I need any special equipment to use Ridar Systems?
As we build out the ecosystem, and add vehicles and two-wheelers to our platform, you can benefit by downloading our free mobile app (iOS and Android), and joining our community.
Will using the app drain my phone battery?
We strive to optimize our app for efficient battery usage. However, battery consumption can vary depending on phone model and usage patterns. Most users have seen battery usage on par with using a navigation system through their smartphones.
How does Ridar Systems help me as a driver?
Our system provides real-time warnings of nearby riders, potentially unseen in blind spots, allowing you to make safer driving decisions.
Will using the app distract me while driving?
How does the app access my location?
Location data is crucial for our system to function. The app will request permission to access your location when you register our mobile app.
How does Ridar Systems protect my privacy?
SAFETY IS OUR CONCERN