IPMBA's field tests lead to improvements in the product

By Sergeant Kurt Feavel, PCI #539
IPMBA Industry Relations Committee
University of Wisconsin-Madison PD (WI)

The Alerte Systems Trail Blazer light system has three major components: the headlight, the taillight, and the battery. The headlight assembly measures 5.25"w x 3"d x 2.75"h. It has 16 red LEDs, 16 blue LEDs and 12 white LEDs in the center. It also houses an integrated siren. The taillight assembly has 16 red LEDs, 16 blue LEDs, and 12 amber LEDs. The various lights and siren are controlled by three switches, which are located on the right and left sides of the headlight assembly. The white switch on the right side of the assembly controls the siren, and the black switch directly above it controls the red/blue LEDs on the front and back. The single switch on the left controls the clear LED headlight and amber taillight.

I received and installed the Alerte Systems Trail Blazer on one of our newest Raleigh Patrol bikes. My initial impression was that it was quite large, but very lightweight. Factory specs say it weighs 3.75 lbs, including the battery. Most of the weight is the battery. I was not confident that the lightweight polycarbonate design would hold up to police use (abuse). Unfortunately, my assessment was correct. The bike was blown over by a gust of wind and the front light broke off. I examined the piece that broke and feel that the problem could easily be solved by beefing up the polycarbonate. (Note from the manufacturer: we have switched to a super-tough nylon connecting bracket for the front light.)

The lights were used on traffic stops as well as during routine contacts to alert traffic to the bike's presence. Officers using the light system agreed that the LEDs were more effective and provided more lighting than the smaller LEDs we currently use. This is very important from the standpoint of officer safety.

Installation was relatively easy; however, the zip ties that came with the kit were too small for the newer fat tube bikes. I had to locate longer ones or hook two together to fit. The system comes with plenty of wiring; in fact, the taillight comes with more wire than I needed, considering that the battery goes in the rear equipment bag. (Note from the manufacturer: we have doubled the length of the zip ties provided with the kit.)

The light intensity is very good, and the LEDs show up well, even in daylight. In fact, the farther away from the lights you are, the better you can see them. The siren is very audible. One officer commented that the siren is too high-pitched, too loud, and sounds too much like a car alarm. However, it does grab the attention of nearby people.

From a visibility standpoint, there was not much that I did not like about this system. The red/blue LEDs are bright and very visible. The amber taillight is noticeably different from the traditional red taillight. Remember to check your local statutes to see if you are still required to have a red reflector.

I did not like the fact that the clear LEDs in the headlight are not focused. The light is visible to others but does not throw out a cone of light directly in front of you. (Note from the manufacturer: the lights are designed to be seen, not to throw light. Officers who require a bright beam for dark environments will need a separate light.) Also, the switches to activate the various lights or siren are located on the sides of the headlight, which makes them difficult to see. In my opinion, moving them to the top would allow faster and easier access. Another option may be to mount thumb switches on the handlebars. (Note from the manufacturer: this is a matter of getting used to a different position, especially for users of NiteRider lights. We will research this issue further.)

The Trail Blazer is available from Alerte Systems, at www.alertesystems.com or 800-728-1536. The suggested retail price is approximately $400, but discounts are available to IPMBA members.

Kurt Feavel is a Sergeant with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department. He co-founded the UW Police Bike Unit and has served as its coordinator since 1992. He has been a LEBA certified instructor since 1994 and an IPMBA Police Cyclist Instructor since 2001. Kurt can be reached at kdfeavel@facstaff.wisc.edu.

(C)2003. This review originally appeared in the Winter 2003 issue of IPMBA News.