Why SideLights?
The bicycle is a great, ecological and increasingly used means of transport. However, the safety of cyclists is severely tested by traffic. Cyclists are too little visible, yet half of the accidents could be avoided if the cyclist was seen 1s ago . Current lighting systems lack visibility and have not kept up with the evolution of cycling in recent years.
It was one evening while riding his bike that Arthur Claessens had the idea for SideLights: a complete lighting system integrated into the handlebars. Little by little, the concept was transformed into hand-made prototypes, notably produced by two former student colleagues from HEIG-VD: Tim Hofer and Claude Allenspach.
After more than 2 years of work and multiple prototype tests, the SideLights team finally arrives with a product that will revolutionize visibility on a bike. In addition to its innovative and safe concept, SideLights is a technological feat: Compact, powerful, resistant and easy to use. It is the subject of a patent application. This product has everything to meet the expectations of the most seasoned cyclists.
After a first test version of SideLights, the product will be officially launched on a crowdfunding campaign at the end of 2024. Would you like to follow our adventure more closely? Don't hesitate to follow us on social networks and subscribe to our newsletter!
Arthur Claessens
- High-level cyclist in BMX Racing
- Passionate about bikes of all kinds, commuter
- HEIG-VD Alumni, in business economics
Main steps of the project
- 2021 - 2022 : Idea, first prototypes during studies
- July 2023 : Incubation of the project within the HEIG-VD. Financial support from the Gebert Rüf Stiftung foundation
- March 2024 : Patent filing, presentation of the project and prototype to the public
- May 2024 : Final design
- Summer 2024 : First pre-series product
- End of 2024 : Official product launch, pre-orders
Who is behind SideLights?
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Arthur Claessens
Founder & CEO
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Martin Stricker
Art & Product Manager
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Thibault Francfort
Industrialization Manager
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Alexandre Pagès
CFO
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Bastien Claessens
Web Manager
Zoe Claessens
Professional BMX Racing Athlete
Bronze medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics
2x Vice-world Champion
2x European Champion