World’s loudest bike alarm looking for funding via Kickstarter

The creator of the world’s loudest bicycle horn has turned his attention to security. Yannick Read is looking to raise £15,000 via Kickstarter for what he claims is the world’s loudest alarm.

BikeBiz reports that Read has Guinness World Records for the world's smallest caravan and the Hornster – a bicycle horn noisier than Concorde. Both were created as promotions for the Environmental Transport Association. He describes his latest invention, Bike Mine, as “the ultimate deterrent against theft of your bicycle, motorbike, boat or jet ski.”

Bike Mine works on the principle that when thieves come for your stuff ‘in the dead of night’ they are able to carry out their mischief in peace. When tripped, Bike Mine detonates a 150db blast of sound. This is louder than an air raid siren and roughly equivalent to a jet fighter taking off – albeit the sound is of much shorter duration.

Comprising a length of titanium wire, a spring-loaded trap and a small detonator, Bike Mine has only one moving part. It uses saluting blanks, which Read says are legal to buy, own and use in the UK – although not in public places. Read had two bikes stolen from the side of his house and the device is intended for securing your bike on your own property.

Backers who pledge £49 or more will get a Bike Mine and three detonators. Those who pledge £99 or more will get the ‘perimeter alarm package’ which comprises two Bike Mines with extra long titanium wire and 10 detonators. Read says this option is intended for garages, yards or lock-ups.