New cyclist helmet: an airbag for the head

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Permalink Reply by Grant on August 3, 2012 at 15:18

Hmm, not sure about wearing something as cumbersome as that around the neck to undertake what is not an intrinsically dangerous activity, and which in any case is likely to be of limited value in many types of crash. And (I understand) it weighs nearly 2lb and costs £350...

Much better that the onus is put on the cause of danger to cyclists and pedestrians, not the victims, through lower speed limits, better designed roads and effective enforcement of existing road laws. Interestingly, Volvo is taking this a step further - from next year Volvo V40's will be fitted with external airbags.

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Permalink Reply by Clive Carter on August 3, 2012 at 16:19

which in any case is likely to be of limited value in many types of crash

True, but surely that applies more to conventional polystyrene helmets? If you knew you were going to crash, which would you rather be wearing? By all means make cycling safer, but until it's perfectly safe, its better to wear head gear. I was a surprised the helmet is being marketed partly as a fashion accessory, but it was developed by two women.

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Permalink Reply by Michael Anderson on August 3, 2012 at 16:34

Hear hear Clive. Bradley Wiggins has spoken out about the need for cyclists to be more pro-active about their own safety and for the law to better recognise the need to protect them.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/bradley-wiggins-speaks-o...

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Permalink Reply by Clive Carter on August 3, 2012 at 18:30

... at the same time, I don't disagree with The Times (who have a campaign about cycle safety) this morning when they say that roads should be made safer for cyclists rather than cyclists being made safer for roads.

Cycling is likely to blossom even further after the recent great cycling sporting successes and this needs to be matched by greater attention to safety for cycling - across the board.

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