Hattar av (hats off) to those crafty, safety conscious Swedes as they have done it again. First the Volvo, now the Hövding!

To what am I referring? A clue: it was only a matter of time before air-bags escaped the confines of the car. Yes, that’s it, the invisible (inflatable) helmet has arrived!

Anna Haupt and Terese Alstin are the brains and entrepreneurial drive behind this exciting confluence of an air-bag and cycling helmet.  “The instant we heard the word “invisible”, we realised that was what the world was waiting for. An invisible bicycle helmet. That wouldn’t ruin your hair.”

It seems their hairstyles are now being threatened by crowns rather than helmets.  They have received a number of awards for their invention, along with a Swedish 2012 Innovation Award nomination. Judging by the success of Hövding it won’t be long before ‘invisible’ helmets will be appearing in your local bike shop.

No bike party will be complete without one and as a bonus, the video demonstrates that it’s gate-crasher proof.  I’m just hoping the helium canisters are interchangeable with the CO2 versions so I can use it to re-inflate my tyre after a puncture.

Following my recent crash-test-dummy experience using a mountain bike and a tree, (that would be the one that left me with a shattered right arm and a dislocated left elbow, and operations on both)… I can’t wait for Mark II – the inflatable body-suit version!

JA TACK (yes please), SIGN ME UP!

Doug Gross (CNN) has provided a good background if you are interested.

http://whatsnext.blogs.cnn.com/2012/08/17/meet-the-inflatable-invisible-bike-helmet/

PS: The video has several crash-test scenario’s so advance it if you get bored with the repetitious multi-angle repeats.