By Jeffrey Nadrich
Jeff Nadrich is a bicycle injury attorney with Nadrich & Cohen, LLP. He has more than 25 years of experience successfully defending clients, and he continues to represent accident victims all across California.
I've written quite a bit on this blog about how new and emerging startups are revolutionizing bicycle culture with breathtaking innovations, but this one just might take the cake. Introducing, the invisible bike helmet. You heard that right. Two Swedish industrial design students, Anna Haupt and Terese Alstin, have produced a master's thesis like no other, in the form of a “bicycle helmet” that actually resembles a collar, worn around the neck. They call it the Hövding, and it's already for sale online (sorry, L.A. bike riders, but you'll probably still get a ticket if you wear one of these while riding in California).
The Invisible Bike Helmet – How It Works
The collar is fitted with an airbag, which deploys whenever accident activity is detected. Using motion sensors, the device can reportedly distinguish between regular riding activity and danger. The inventors worked with a head trauma specialist to document the movements associated with bicycle crashes, and the helmet sensors were wired accordingly. The Hövding has already generated a tremendous amount of media coverage, and the inventors recently secured millions of dollars in venture capital to mass produce their invisible helmet.
According to one of the inventors, she was inspired to create the helmet because she simply didn't like the look or feel of traditional helmets. This is understandable, as many young riders are hesitant to protect their heads due the bulkiness of the typical bike helmet. The Hövding is made of an ultra-strong, rip-proof nylon fabric, and has been tested for safety under rigorous conditions. If nothing else, it appears to show great promise.
Helmet Safety – Bicycle Accident Lawyer Weighs In
I don't know whether an “invisible helmet” represents the future of bike safety, because this is a still a new innovation, and only time will tell if it proves to be a real step forward. In the meantime, it's important that you protect your head whenever you take to the streets on your bike – even if that means strapping on a bulky, slightly uncomfortable helmet. It doesn't matter whether you live in a jurisdiction where helmets are required; it's about your safety. And you can't put a price on that.
