Ever thought what would happen if you ended up in a ditch unconscious out of sight? Ha! Yeah, cheerful thought, huh? I was watching Emergency Helicopter Medics or something similar recently and an old fella did exactly that - he was there for four hours, I think it was, before he was found. Wouldn't it be cool if you phone noticed and texted your exact location to summon help? Anyway, I wrote this Android app for the Bloodrunners to automate controller messaging and stuff and I've extended it to do that - if you turn the tracker on it will monitor your location and if you're stationary for five minutes it will alert you to ask if you're OK. It'll ask again every minute for five minutes. If you don't respond it will text your exact location to the number you've set up. Anyway, like I said, it's mainly for Bloodrunners but if anyone wanted to try it our for me that would be VERY helpful. It's very hard to test because every device (and GPS chip-set) behaves so differently - different accuracy, timings, reliability. If you fancy giving it a go please do - it's called Bloodriders and it's on the app store at: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.serv.ridersapp Just one ask from me - please let me know how you get on with it, GOOD OR BAD. Like I said, it's very difficult to test. I've tested it really just on one phone so I have no idea how well it will run on others. Also, I've only tried it in the UK so it would be great to know how well it works elsewhere! If you like it post a review and tell your mates. If you hate it tell me about it ;-) Cheers! Dave
Hi Dave, I haven't got the bike out yet, but happy to test it for you once they stop gritting the roads here.
That’s an interesting app you’ve set up. You might already know some BMW’s have a similar idea with a hidden red button on the handlebars? Is this app available for apple?
Sounds like a good app, my phone has an SOS button but that does rely on you being conscious and mobile Good luck with the app, it sounds like it is written well to avoid any false positives
When I ride out alone, I am "in therapy". My way of disconnecting from a too connected world. At that point alone is a good thing. ...J.D.
I live in France and I ride most of the time on my own Dave and it does cross my mind what would happen if I fell off, so I would certainly like to give this a go. Dave Just tried to download this onto my Android phone and it said "This app is not compatible with your device" ???????
St John's Ambulance service do a similar app in Australia , yours isn't available here ! On St John's app it gives the triple 000 centre your satellite location of your phone , but this all depends on service availability . And that can be very sketchy in this great Island we call OZZ !!
I wouldn’t worry about that Dave, you’ve the best helmet and safety pants a dustbin can provide!! Heh heh heh
I can ride less than 30 minutes from my home to places.where there is no mobile service and your GPS gets lost. ...J.D.
99% of the time i ride by myself. I never worry about what can happen, if one did one would never leave the house.
Excellent, thanks mappster, feedback on how it works on the S8 would be really helpful. (BTW, you don't have to be on the bike - it will work just as well in the car ;-)
I had no idea! This feature was an extension to an existing app - just seemed like a good idea to add it in. Ah, sorry, it's not available on Apple - I have no idea how to write for iOS, sorry!
The false positives are a tricky thing to spot!! Hopefully, yeah, users should never get a false positive - fingers crossed. Cheers
This sounds like a very useful application. Must admit when I ride alone the thought on what would happen if I did crash has crossed my mind. Then I dismiss the thought and enjoy the ride..