Here in Australia, wearing an Australian Standards-approved helmet is mandatory when riding a bicycle. I know a few people who won’t wear bicycle helmets because of the bulk of the helmet, or because it might muss up their hair-do 
So it’s either risk a fine if you’re caught (as well as risking head injuries), or don’t ride a bicycle.
The Hovding Invisible Bicycle Helmet is an airbag contained within a fabric collar that deploys in the event of an accident. The colour and fabric of the collar can be changed to match the weather or your fashion sense. The collar includes a “black box recorder” which allows you to analyse crash data.
If you want to view a helmet deployment, check it out here.
It’s not approved in Australia, but it’s available for 3998 SEK ($575) in Sweden.
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Only on The Gadgeteer!! It’s a gadget and it is geeky and a fun article and probably totally not going to make it. But amongst all the serious stuff, we also get this. Thanks for the laugh. Great site, keep it going.
Pretty chic bike outfit too. Haven’t seen many women riding in sheer black dresses but I don’t live in Australia.
It looks like a giant Mickey Mouse hand is getting ready to crush her skull.
It’s 500 SEK just for the shell. The “helmet” is 4000 SEK!!!
@Lex — not in Australia. But have a look at
http://www.copenhagencyclechic.com/
I worry about the idea of riding around with a high pressure gas cartridge so near to my head.
@Lex – It originates in Sweden, so if you want pretty, chic girls in LBD riding bikes then you need to go there not Australia
@Tobi – Sorry the Swedish threw me.
Amended.
How does it get deployed, automatically? I can just imagine someone is wearing the coat into a meeting when suddenly ….. LOL