Airbag for cyclists created

It is the invisible bike helmet that could spell the end for “helmet hair”. Swedish designers have created a cycling “collar” that is worn around the neck with an airbag hidden inside. When sensors in the device determine a crash has happened, an airbag instantly inflates around the cyclist's head to form a helmet.



The invention — called Hövding — has been unveiled in Stockholm. It will go on sale in Sweden early next year for about £50. The designers have spent six years developing it. Terese Alstin, one of the inventors, said: “The protection should include preserving the sense of freedom and not ruin your hairstyle.”



The device has been “tuned” by recreating hundreds of accidents using crash test dummies and real riders. “We have developed a unique, patented, mathematical method to distinguish these movement patterns,” say the inventors. A small helium gas cylinder inflates the airbag in 0.1 seconds and is designed to let cyclists see at all times.



The airbag stays inflated for several seconds. It is powered by a rechargable battery. Co-inventor Anna Hupt said: “The shell of the collar is removable and available in many different styles and fabrics and will be launched in new collections.”