Self-Driving Bike Project with Boston University
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In 2023, Boston University Professor Eshed Unbar reached out to invite me to a conference in Seattle on accessibility. During our conversation, I shared a dream I’d held since losing my sight—the dream of building a self-driving bike for the blind.
Losing the ability to travel freely was one of the hardest parts of going blind. I used to imagine a future, like something out of The Jetsons, where I could simply say, “Let’s go to Chick-fil-A,” and a friendly computer voice would reply, “Dan, you are clear to start pedaling.”
To my surprise, Professor Unbar told me my dream was possible with today’s technology. Boston University’s autonomous systems program had the tools and simulation power to teach computers how to self-learn—something far beyond my comfort zone, since I’m more of a hammer-and-chisel guy than a 1s-and-0s person!
In mid-2024, while researching bike platforms that could hold the necessary hardware, sensors, and batteries, I discovered a velomobile kit called the Allweder. By chance, one was for sale just an hour from BU—and Professor Unbar purchased it for the project.
That fall, when the students returned for the semester, they were given a mission:
“Build a pedal vehicle that will let Dan Parker travel two miles from his house to Chick-fil-A—eat lunch—and return home 100% independently.”
By the end of the spring 2025 semester, the students had mounted a steering servo, batteries, a computer, and sensors. They even demonstrated the system recognizing and avoiding a student walking in front of the bike while another pedaled—an amazing proof of concept that my dream is truly possible.
In May 2025, my longtime engineer and friend Patrick Johnson and I flew to Boston University for Demo Day—and we were proud to learn our project won the top prize across the entire university. A new team of students has now taken over to continue development as the first team graduates, and the momentum is strong.
I’ve since acquired my own green Allweder to outfit with the same technology, allowing me to run simulations and tests from home as the students advance the program.
Stay tuned for updates—our dream of freedom in motion is becoming a reality.
– Dan Parker
