A sleek, wearable airbag for cyclists is nearly here

a bicyclists launching over his handlebars as the airbag expands to protect him. — The lightweight Airbag deploys in just milliseconds after detecting a crash. | Image: Van Rysel

What you're looking at is a new airbag system integrated directly into a "race-ready" skinsuit, not bolted on like other solutions. It was developed for road cyclists by Van Rysel, with the help of airbag technology specialist In&motion. It's currently being tested on pro riders ahead of a general consumer release sometime "within the next two years."

Its development comes after the UCI, pro cycling's governing body, put out a call in February seeking gear that could help protect riders traveling faster than ever.