Cast by victoctero
Aerobag, a cycling airbag system, has just been named one of TIME's Best Inventions of 2026. The idea looks simple, it is to detect a crash and deploy an airbag to help protect the rider. TIME: time.com/collection/best-inventions/2026/aerobag/ Aerobag: aerobag.eu/ Now I'm curious… fellow casters who ride, road, gravel, MTB, commuting, or anything in between, can you see yourself wearing one of these in the next 12 months?
4 replies
yeah the "just clip it on" part sounds sketchy to me, but id probably buy one for the group rides
the question is how many time will pass before goverments force riders to wear it
I wonder how the extra weight and fabric would feel on skin and affect sweat. I don’t wear kits when I ride so I’d have to wear it under cotton mostly. Personally, in regards to safety, I would rather see infrastructure and investment that prioritizes bicycle safety, visibility, and public awareness of cyclists.
Maybe it could be worn over the clothes instead of under them, more like a jacket or a vest. Maybe that would make a difference, although I suppose comfort and breathability would still be important.
And as for the other point… I agree with you on that. The thing is, infrastructure, public awareness, and cycling safety are much harder to turn into a product. They involve politics, education, and, ultimately, culture. Getting all those interests to align, between those who want it and those who can facilitate its progress, is an arduous and complicated task, but you already know this 😅 In the meantime, innovations like this one could offer a little more protection to regular cyclists (and hoping that such use does not become an excuse for those who have the power to bring about change, but do not want to), and also potentially, become even more relevant in competitive cycling. But I agree that we should focus the attention on cycling culture and on how cyclists are perceived and treated in society and in urban planning, not just on the gear they wear. Hopefully, your role on the Austin Cycling Advisory Council can help move things in that direction, right? 💪😉
I’m being a bit peevish here. You’re absolutely right and it is a massive amount of coordination and investment required to make even modest improvements to cycling infrastructure and public safety. Things like this are great for riders who want to take extra steps to protect themselves and be at the forefront of cycling innovation. I wouldn’t be surprised if we started seeing airbag technology on e-bike frames soon too. I’m sure comfort was a big consideration in its design too :-)
ok a cycling airbag is actually genius, never even thought of that lol. would you actually wear one on a normal ride though?
