New cycle tech 'talks' to passing cars

  • 'World-first' technology
  • Connects cycle helmets with cars
  • Bid to end car-bike collisions

LONDON, England - A new technology has been created which allows cars and bicycles to 'talk' to each other by using special helmet technology in a bid to reduce cyclist fatalities.

Three companies have unveiled a ground-breaking collaboration showcasing the innovative safety technology that, for the first time ever, can connect drivers and cyclists.

It was shown at the January 2015 International Consumer Electronics Association in Las Vegas.

The technology consists of a connected car and helmet prototype that will establish two-way communication to generate proximity alerts to drivers and cyclists. Volvo, one of three companies involved in the initiative, claims it’s the first automaker to help address the problem of cyclist/vehicle crashes with connected technology.

INCREASED CRASH RATE

The global growth in cycling, South Africa ijncluded, continues unabated as commuters and sport cyclists take to their bikes. This has resulted in an increase in serious cycling incidents, an issue that Volvo and POC believe is unacceptable and requires an innovative and concerted effort to address.

Volvo's city safety system - standard on SA-bound Volvo XC90 units - is a technology that can detect, warn and auto-brake a car to avoid colliding with a cyclist. It was the industry's first step to seriously address cyclist safety.

Using a popular smartphone app the cyclist's position can be shared through the Volvo information system to the car, and vice versa to the cyclist. If a crash is likely both road-users are warned and therefore possible able to avoid a colllision.

The Volvo driver will be alerted to a cyclist nearby through a head-up display alert - even at night - and the cyclist will be warned via a helmet-mounted alert light.

'DOING OUR BEST'

Volvo's Klas Bendrik said: "The partnership between Volvo, POC (which makes protectiive clothing) and Ericsson is an important milestone in investigating the next steps towards our vision to build cars that will not crash.

CEO and founder of POC Stefan Ytterborn said: "Our mission is to do the best we can to protect sports athletes and cyclists. The partnership with Volvo aligns very well with our mission,"

Do you think this helmet technology could reduce crashes between cyclists and drivers in cars? Would it be useful here in South Africa? Email us and we'll publish your thoughts or use the Readers' Comments section below...