Swiss firm Garmin has announced a radar tail light that can help cyclists be more aware and visible while riding on the road.

The Varia RearVue 820 uses vehicle tracking technology that detects a vehicle’s size and side-to-side movement, and categorises threat levels as the vehicle approaches from behind with alerts displayed on Garmin cycling computers or the Varia smartphone app.

This radar tail light is Garmin’s brightest yet and serves as a brake light when slowing or stopping, so riders can feel confident about their visibility to motorists and other cyclists while on the road. And with battery life of up to 24 hours in day flash mode and up to 30 hours in radar only mode, cyclists can ride longer with awareness and peace of mind.

“We’re excited to expand our trusted cycling radar technology with Varia RearVue 820,” said Susan Lyman, Garmin vice president. “Whether cyclists are commuting by bike to work or training along busy streets, this radar can help them stay more conscious of nearby traffic, especially with new, innovative advanced vehicle tracking alerts, all while the brilliant tail light and brake light can help them be more visible.”

When riding with a compatible Edge cycling computer or when paired to the Varia smartphone app, cyclists will get visual and audible alerts as vehicles are approaching or changing lanes behind them, along with their threat level, which indicates if the approaching vehicle is a higher threat to the cyclist based on its speed or path of travel. And with vehicle size detection, riders can get visual alerts about the size of approaching vehicles – small, medium and large –from their Edge computer or in the Varia app.

Boasting a wider field of view, the radar can detect vehicle movement several lanes away and alert riders on their compatible Garmin smartwatch, Edge cycling computer or the Varia app. Radar technology allows the device to detect vehicles over 170 metres away.

With same speed tracking,riders are notified about vehicles that are following behind them at the same speed or waiting to pass. In addition to vibrating alerts on the wrist, select Garmin smartwatches can also give voice alerts for approaching vehicles. This feature is available in a public beta programme for select smartwatches.

The bright tail light can be seen over 1.9km away and offers multiple light mode options, including day flash, night flash, solid mode and peloton mode. Cyclists can also create their own custom light patterns in the Varia app based on the needs of their ride, including brightness level and duration of flash. Adding to that visibility, the device detects when the rider is slowing down or stopping, then alerts others on the road with a unique, flashing brake light pattern.

It also includes a USB-C port for charging and a seat post mount that securely and cleanly fits onto almost any road or gravel bike.

Available now, Varia RearVue 820 (www.garmin.com/en-US/p/1689121/) has a suggested retail price of $300.

Garmin (garmin.com) is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are in the USA, Taiwan and UK.