In the Netherlands, bicycle helmets have to comply with the European quality standards (see the question Which requirements should a (good) bicycle helmet meet? ). According to different researchers [3] [53] [54] [55] [56] [57] [58] [60], the test procedure should be extended to include an ‘angled impact’ or ‘oblique’ test. In addition, a cyclist’s airbag might offer better and additional protection against head and brain injuries [4] [61]. Finally, there are developments towards intelligent helmets that would not only provide physical protection but would also help prevent crashes. The fact sheet Cyclists provides a broader discussion of cyclist safety and measures to improve it.
Extension of test procedure for bicycle helmets
Different researchers [3] [53] [54] [55] [56] [57] [58] [60] advocate extending the test procedure to include an ‘angled impact’ or ‘oblique’ test, in which helmet effectiveness is tested by dropping it from a certain height on a slanted surface. These tests measure the effect of the helmet on head rotation. This is important because this so-called ‘rotation effect’ is closely related to the occurrence of brain injuries [1] [4] [61] [62] [63].Today, there are several organisations already carrying out these tests (e.g Certimoov en Folksam) ) and there are helmets on the market that offer better protection against rotational forces on the head in case of a fall. These have an extra layer inside the helmet which moves along with the head during impact (so-called Multi-Directional Impact Protection Systems - MIPS) reducing the rotation of the head [3] [4].
A second welcome extension concerns the impact speed during testing, in other words the speed at which a cyclist’s head collides with something. Current European standards for bicycle helmets are based on an impact speed of 17 and 20 km/hour and simulate a fall from a bicycle. The speeds in a collision with a motor vehicle may, however, be much higher. In this case, the collision process and the associated impacts are also much more complex and diverse. By also testing the effectiveness of bicycle helmets in these conditions, the quality of helmets may improve.
Airbag for cyclists
A different current development is the airbag for cyclists. This is a kind of collar worn around the neck. It is a Swedish invention known by the name of ‘Hövding airbag’. In case of a crash the airbag inflates, which not only protects the head but also fixates the neck. The Hövding airbag had positive outcomes in different tests [4] [61]. The reason is that the airbag reduces the rotational forces on the head more than a conventional helmet does. Intelligent technologies may also be applied to cars to make cycling safer. A cyclist airbag fitted onto the car is an example of this (also see the SWOV fact sheet Cyclists).
Intelligent helmets
Several manufactures are developing ‘intelligent’ helmets. These helmets are not only intended to protect against head and brain injuries but also to prevent crashes. Intelligent helmets may for example, by means of led-signals, show other road users when cyclists are braking and which direction they are turning. One such helmet (the ‘Lumos bicycle helmet’) is already on the market. Helmets that warn cyclists when a vehicle approaches in their blind spot (the ‘Classon bicycle helmet’) are still being developed; it is still unclear when they will come onto the market and how effective they will be.
