I am a totally blind woman in her 60s. I have had the crazy idea that I might want to buy an adult sized tricycle. Is there any kind of technology that would keep me aware of my surroundings while I pedal? Would the GPS on my phone be of any help? If you think I am completely nuts, you can let me know that, also.
Comments
Nothing for the vehicle in question
Hi,
Unfortunately, I do not think there is anything currently available that would be able to detect if your bike is about to say catch your back wheel against a curb/fire hydrant/etc. Or if you're about to roll over an open manhole, fallen tree branch, etc. On the other hand, for walking, there's a pretty sweet app called VoiceVista, that will let you know what street you are walking along or crossing, parking lots and businesses, that sort of thing. There are also applications, such as Seeing AI, that have world exploration features. However, they do not work in real time. There is usually a one or two second delay. So, while you may get a message that there is a car parked in front of you, you are more likely to run into that car before you actually get the warning.
Re: Nothing for the Vehicle in Question
I was going to recommend Seeing AI or Soundscape, but I didn't know about that real-time limitation. I haven't tried out Voice Vista yet but will definitely do so. Certainly wouldn't want to fall down a manhole or some such thing!
Re: Voice Vista
Voice Vista is quite amazing for cane, or even guide dog travel. It is pretty on-the-ball when it comes to alerting you of the businesses you are approaching/walking passed/etc. Also good for learning your neighborhood streets as you travel. If the apps that have world explore ever get full AI integration, then they might be worth trying out as suggested in the OP, but I would say for now, do not try this. ☹
No, sadly.
Perhaps you could look into tandom biking in your area?
I know American states are huge but I had a quick google and found this, the dates have passed but if you can find a way to contactthis group, i think you'd enjoy it: https://www.outlooken.org/event/tandem-bike-club-season-opener-ride-on-the-keystone-trail/
thanks folks
I have come to my senses after I sent this post. I think I will stay on my own 2 feet with my trusty cane when walking around my neighborhood. A lot safer.
Tandem
Tandem bike... The downside of course is you need a sighted partner. Perhaps some day Glide could do this, but that may be optimistic. The reaction time will always be a big problem. A very fast walk is still less than 5 miles per hour. On a bike 5 mph is very easy to achieve.