Glove with smiley faces aims to make journeys happier for everyone

A startup is looking to spread positivity on Britain's roads with the launch of a cycling glove, simply called Glove, that has a reflective smiley emoji on the palm to "make waving more meaningful". 

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A smile or a wave shows respect and friendliness to your fellow road users, so say Loffi, and Glove does them both simultaneously. Invented as "a direct response to the increasing anger and animosity we all face whilst cycling", Glove has been in development for 18 months and launched on Kickstarter earlier today looking for just over £5,000 of investment to go into full production. 

Loffi refer to Chris Hoy's recent comments regarding a perceived 'us and them' mentality between drivers and cyclists on Britain's roads, saying mutual respect is an issue that's often overlooked; making their product launch even more timely. 

This Glove is "more than just a pretty face" though, with the smiley on the palm actually comprising of padded cushioning that acts as a gripper. The other side is highly reflective so you can be seen more clearly when indicating, and the fabrics are touchscreen-friendly so you can still work your phone or GPS while wearing them. They're also water-repellent, warm and breathable, with a fleece lining on the thumb for mopping up sweat and runny noses. 

Loffi aim to start shipping in November for Christmas deliveries, and with a £30 backing you can reserve yourself a pair in any size at a special Kickstarter price. Check out Loffi's website and their Kickstarter for more details.   

Legal firm's free stickers 

Glove isn't the only product looking to spread some cheer on the roads at the moment; the Road Traffic Accident Law (Scotland) LLP have started the 'I Ride Too!' campaign, giving out free stickers bearing the phrase to cyclists and motorcyclists to display in the rear window of their cars.   

“A biker, who is also a car driver, will regularly look in their mirrors to see who is travelling behind them, give room for motorcyclists to legally filter in slow moving traffic and will be especially vigilant at roundabouts and junctions for those on two wheels. The sticker is a simple way for bikers driving their cars to be able to tell other bikers that the person in the vehicle in front is looking out for them", says the firm's Associate Solicitor Roz Boynton. 

The stickers are free of charge with over 3,000 already sent out, and the RTALS are asking those requesting them to consider making a donation to Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance. Senior Partner of the RTAL Brenda Mitchell is also the founder of roadshare.co.uk, which campaigns for presumed liability on Scotland's roads to protect vulnerable road users.