Travel. Make a Beeline for it
Built on the idea that cycling should be fun and explorative, the Beeline navigation system fills the gap for non-GPS driven routing for cyclists. This new type of stripped-back bike navigation was launched in January 2017 after a successful Kickstarter campaign. It points the rider in the direction of their final destination, simplifying their commute like a digital compass rather than the turn-by-turn Google-maps type navigation.
Coined as ‘fuzzy navigation’, it gives riders much more freedom by encouraging them to re-engage with their surroundings whilst developing a stronger sense of direction, rather than being restricted to a predetermined route and having to refer (too) often to a mobile device. It’s ideal for commuters or people who ride in cities who want more flexibility in their route. Whilst life can feel overloaded with information at any given moment, Beeline's ethos is ‘less information, more freedom’.
The concept is simple. Beeline uses your smartphone and does most of the heavy lifting. You simply enter your destination (and any waypoints) into the app and the direction and distance you need to travel in is displayed on the device strapped to your handlebars. Its design makes it easy for riders to glance at it, get a sense of direction, and keep their eyes on the road ahead — a safety benefit you don't have using Google maps or GPS. Its minimalist design means that, finally, human intelligence plays a big part in getting around again.
The device is a compact 1-inch puck with a gyroscope, accelerator, magnetometer and a Bluetooth chip that communicates with your smartphone. The e-paper screen makes for easy reading in any light — a backlight illuminates the screen for night riding. It is water-resistant and shockproof thanks to the silicone mounting system that fits any bike, which doubles as key chain-case when not mounted on your bicycle. Inside, the 350mAh battery lasts 30 hours between charges and is recharged by simply plugging in a USB cable.
Cleverly, Beeline performs like a regular bicycle computer, displaying current speed, distance or a clock when not being used for navigation.
The way Beeline points you in the right direction without forcing you along a set route reinstates a feeling of freedom for riders with its ‘less is more’ approach to navigation. And, at €110 (US$130) including free international shipping, this digital compass is less stress and more fun than any GPS turn-by-turn out there.
