After being hit by a car whilst riding her bike, Ros Clitheroe decided to launch a highly reflective cycle clothing range. The brand, Carney, is for women and although it is highly reflective at night and in the shade, it looks stylish and discrete in the daytime and when off the bike.
Now Ros is looking to raise funds through a kickstarter campaign so that the first items can be produced.
She said: “The driver who hit me said they couldn’t see me on my bike. I wanted to create cycle clothing that would make me more visible.
“I also wanted something different from the normal hi-viz cycle clothing because I don’t think it looks very good. Carey clothing is highly reflective but also looks stylish when you are not on the bike so it’s very easy to wear.”
It has been designed by a top design agency in the UK (ex-Rapha and Vulpine).
Take a look at this video link to find out more.
The Kickstarter campaign allows backers to pre-order the Carney launch product, reflective arm warmers, at a discounted price. The funding goal of £13k will allow for an initial production run.
Carney apparel is unique in that it’s just for women, it’s reflective at night, but looks discrete in the daytime, so looks great on and off the bike.
There’s more info on the Carney project.
I like the look of the clothing. The black fabric has reflective panels that look dull – like normal clothing! –when in ordinary daylight but which shine stunningly in the dark when lights shine on it. The reflective areas stay in the fabric even when washed and the fabric is highly breathable. It looks like a great invention.
I hope that once the women’s apparel is launched Carney create a men’s range as well.