Mechatronics Engineering graduate Alfie Dibrowa has designed a bike light that mimics car signals to help make Leicester’s roads safer.
During his time at DMU, the now 30-year-old would skate or cycle around the city. However, near miss after near miss prompted him to explore ways of letting other road users know what the cyclist’s intentions were without having to take their hands off the handlebars.
He developed Pxle, an adjustable rear light for pedal and electric bikes with a small Bluetooth remote that attaches to the handlebars.
At the touch of a button, the light can indicate left or right, signal braking when slowing down, or flash hazard lights to warn a motorist about something up ahead.
Alfie said: “I’ve had a few close encounters where I’ve nearly been hit. One time I got cut off by a taxi, and it made me realise how little communication there is between cyclists and drivers.
“We had to stick our arms out to indicate turns - which just felt outdated and awkward, especially with how much tech we have now. As an engineering student, I couldn’t ignore it. It felt like something that should already exist - so I decided to try and build it.
“We’re used to seeing how cars behave on the road, so the idea is to bring that same system to bikes, so drivers instantly recognise what the rider is doing.
“The goal was to keep it easy to use because you shouldn’t have to think about it while you’re riding.”
While in the final year of his degree, Alfie began working on the concept, which he would then enter into the university’s Pitch2Win competition, organised by DMU Made.
Pxle was a hit, scooping a hatrick of awards at the Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Awards (now Freelancing and Entrepreneurship Awards), including both prizes in Pitch2Win. With that win came a £2,000 investment.
That funding helped Alfie to develop his concept into a working prototype, using 3D printing to ensure the casing was water and impact-resistant.
He started his Kickstarter campaign in February 2026, intending to raise £2,000 to create his first run of tests. The campaign received orders from people as far as the USA, Germany and Norway.
Having received nearly 50 per cent more funding than he initially aimed for, the first Pxle lights are set to ship out in July.
He said: “Kickstarter was great for me because it showed there was a demand for what I’ve built. Potential buyers can interact with you, ask questions and that really helps you perhaps identify some blind spots in your product or develop an idea even further.
“It started off with a couple of purchases from my family members and from there it just grew really. I’m very grateful for those who have invested. It shows that they put their confidence in Pxle and in me.
“Winning Pitch2Win was also really a big step in taking it from just an idea to something real,” Alfie said. “Without that funding, it would have been much harder to actually build something physical.
“I even met someone at Halfords through the competition and was able to talk with him about taking my product further.”
Cycling is a huge market for Alfie to explore. According to estimates in Leicester City Council’s Walking and Cycling Index, 13 per cent of Leicester residents – approximately 50,400 people from the 388,348 living in the city – cycle in the city at least once a week.
Pxle is priced at £99 and is available to order online. You can find out more information on Alfie's website or through the company's Instagram page.
Posted on Thursday 2 July 2026