A groundbreaking innovation in road safety is making waves airbag helmets designed for cyclists are here. Unlike conventional hard-shell helmets, this inflatable version stays tucked inside a collar worn around the neck. When sensors detect a crash or sudden movement, the helmet inflates instantly to form a cushioned hood around the rider’s head, offering impact protection that experts say could outperform regular helmets.

Originally launched by Swedish company Hövding, the airbag helmet is now gaining attention globally for its smart engineering and real-world effectiveness. It uses gyroscopes and accelerometers to detect irregular motion patterns within 0.1 seconds, deploying faster than the blink of an eye.

Early studies suggest that the airbag helmet absorbs up to three times more shock than standard helmets, drastically reducing the risk of head trauma. Though priced higher, its potential to save lives is drawing interest from commuters, parents, and urban planners alike.

As cities push for safer cycling infrastructure, innovations like this could be key to encouraging more people to choose bikes confident they'll be safer on the road.