Researchers at the UK’s Nottingham Trent University have designed shoelaces that light up and flash, making joggers and cyclists more visible at night.

The laces – created by researchers in the Advanced Textiles Research Group (ATRG) in collaboration with technology group QinetiQ – contain light emitting diodes (LEDs) the size of fleas and are switched on by the wearer tapping the shoes together.

Professor Tilak Dias, who leads the ATRG in the School of Art & Design, said: “These laces could become a very simple way for runners or cyclists to improve their visibility on dark winter nights. 

"They could also become popular as a fashion accessory and worn for aesthetic purposes.”
 

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