Like Vegas on wheels

Entitled "Named Riders," this campaign works off the "I just didn't see it, the bike came out of nowhere" excuse often provided by drivers in motorcycle/car collisions - countering it by humanizing each rider in giant, Vegas-style, can't miss 'em light displays. See the THINK road safety page for the whole range of ads and safety data.

Too bad it's not a USA-produced safety campaign. But the problem is an international one, and as always, our UK friends are nice enough to share.

THINK Safety Ad (Quicktime® movie)

Call it...visibility!

So when we ran across a story on Bell's new line of limited-edition, "Custom 500" helmets, we just had to post about it. Three wild color schemes like the one included at left, plus two metallic-flake versions, are included in the run of just 1,500 units.

 We've seen beauties like these before, especially from uber-cool maker Ruby. But most (especially Ruby) are also uber-expensive. Wanna pay $800 or more for an open-face lid? We didn't think so.

But these Bell 500's are far, far more affordable. Just $120 for the metallics, and $140 for the graphic ones. And they appear to be well-detailed, too - most with chrome trim, all with quilted lining, DOT-certification and a really low-profile look.

Bell practically invented helmets like these back in the 1960's, so it's good to see them getting back to their roots, having fun while doing it, and pricing the results so folks like us can afford it. That they're limited-edition means you'll likely be the only one on your block with one of these babies, too.

If you're into helmet glam, better jump fast - pre-orders for issue mid-March are now open.

Custom 500 Helmets (weblink)