Map's BeeLine bicycle compass guides cyclists with a single arrow
London design studio Map Project Office has created a minimal compass that pairs with a smartphone app to point cyclists through the city (+ slideshow).
![BeeLine by MAP Project Office](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/11/BeeLine_MAP-Project-Office_Kickstarter_Cycling_Navigation_Accessory_dezeen_1568_6.jpg)
BeeLine was launched by design duo Barber and Osgerby's creative consultancy Map, and has been successfully crowdfunded via Kickstarter.
The plastic-encased circular device has a silicon strap that clips onto the top tube of the bike or the handlebars.
![BeeLine by MAP Project Office](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/11/BeeLine_MAP-Project-Office_Kickstarter_Cycling_Navigation_Accessory_dezeen_1568_7.jpg)
Once the user has set their end goal in the companion app, BeeLine uses the phone's GPS to give directions to the rider.
![BeeLine by MAP Project Office](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/11/BeeLine_MAP-Project-Office_Kickstarter_Cycling_Navigation_Accessory_dezeen_1568_9.jpg)
"Many of us can relate to journeys when we start cycling, only to stop a few minutes later to check the map on our phone," said BeeLine co-founder Mark Jenner, who together with Tom Putnam hired Map to design the product.
![BeeLine by MAP Project Office](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/11/BeeLine_MAP-Project-Office_Kickstarter_Cycling_Navigation_Accessory_dezeen_1568_11.jpg)
The LCD interface features a slightly rounded arrow that points in the direction of the final destination, and also shows the distance to the cyclist's goal.
![BeeLine by MAP Project Office](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/11/BeeLine_MAP-Project-Office_Kickstarter_Cycling_Navigation_Accessory_dezeen_1568_4.jpg)
The user can then choose their own route through the city using the compass as a rough guide.
![BeeLine by MAP Project Office](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/11/BeeLine_MAP-Project-Office_Kickstarter_Cycling_Navigation_Accessory_dezeen_1568_5.jpg)
"We felt this stop-start style of journey, following strict directions, was taking the fun out of cycling and one of the main reasons we started getting around the city on our bikes: the freedom," said Jenner.
![BeeLine by MAP Project Office](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/11/BeeLine_MAP-Project-Office_Kickstarter_Cycling_Navigation_Accessory_dezeen_1568_0.jpg)
"We wanted to create a device, that guided us, but still put us in control of our journey and encouraged us to find new and interesting routes.
![BeeLine by MAP Project Office](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/11/BeeLine_MAP-Project-Office_Kickstarter_Cycling_Navigation_Accessory_dezeen_1568_1.jpg)
BeeLine is designed to be shockproof and rainproof, with a battery that lasts around four weeks. The device's adjustable strap and aluminium buckle allows it to be clipped to keys or a bag when not in use.
The £60,000 funding goal has been surpassed, with 25 days of the Kickstarter campaign still to go at the time of writing.
![BeeLine by MAP Project Office](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/11/BeeLine_MAP-Project-Office_Kickstarter_Cycling_Navigation_Accessory_dezeen_1568_10.jpg)
Fellow London startup Onomo has also recently launched a campaign for a similarly minimal compass attachment, which would use flashing lights to provide directions to cyclists.
Map's previous projects include a kit of "building blocks" aimed at simplifying the creation of internet-connected products, a collection of wall storage products for the bathroom and a build-your-own computer kit.