Varia and Detection of Bicyclists

Point of Information with V3.4 installed.

I stopped on the local bike path today to talk to a fellow cyclist. After our visit and ready to mount my bike I got a Varia radar beep. I looked around and saw 5 cyclists in a group approaching. I looked at my 520 and everyone was tracked and all five dots showed up and disappeared as they passed. The point is the Varia radar discriminating capabilities are pretty good considering the small detection surface areas compared to vehicles and the closeness in the group of the cyclists. Obviously, the cyclists were exceeding the threshold detection limit of 6 mph relative speed. Very impressive.

Demonstrates some of the capabilities that the Varia has are pretty darn good.

funny - i rode with a large group and none of the cyclists came up on my screen.

I was passed by a cyclist on a climb yesterday without any warning from my Varia but then our speed differential was very small so that could explain it.

funny - i rode with a large group and none of the cyclists came up on my screen.

Yes, I have experienced that as well. There have to be a significant speed differential between you and your fellow cyclists The Garmin Owners manual states in excess of 6mph differential speed for radar detection of approaching vehicles. Whether this speed specification applies directly to a bicyclist I do not know. I do know my Varia has detected speedy bicyclists approaching me and any warnings are appreciated. I also noticed detection distance of bicyclists seems to be less but with adequate warning time. I haven't done any extensive detailed testing regarding bicyclist closing speeds and distance detection but just reporting some observations to share. I am not planning on any exhaustive testing for bicyclists.

I was riding today in front of a large group all going at the same speed. My fellow bicyclists were not picked up on the Varia, but the Varia did detect an approaching car to our group about 450 feet behind. I was surprised my fellow cyclists hadn't blocked the radar scan.

funny - i rode with a large group and none of the cyclists came up on my screen.

I believe they have to be going at least 6 mph faster than you are for them to register.. That said, I don't see this as a feature or a selling point for the radar. Anyone who cycles exclusively on a bike path is in zero need of the radar.

I also don't see how this is anything I'd want or care about as I don't think I've been passed by cyclist going that much faster than I am. Most times I am passed it's within a few mph of my speed and they'd never register anyways.. Even if I were passed at 6+ mph, most cyclist chugging along at that speed are going to experienced riders so you really have slim to no chance they will slam into you, or right hook you like a car would..

I don't think cyclist identification is a huge issue either way. If it works then cool for those who want it...

My replacement radar is scheduled to be delivered on Saturday so maybe I'll hit the bike path and test this out. If I see a group coming I'll pull over, stop and test.. I can easily eyeball distance so if I am able to test I'll try and ballpark detection distance. Like I said, not really a big deal either way to me..