Cyclists continue to be the most vulnerable road users in today’s metropolises. The cyclists’ protective equipment is limited to a helmet and does not protect against injuries to the neck, chest, abdomen, and back, which can be hurt in case of an accident. An individual airbag jacket made in the form factor of an ordinary jacket and created by enthusiasts from the French startup Urban Circus will help to rectify the situation.
When folded, the Cirrus Airbag is no different from a standard jacket. Cirrus is made of waterproof and windproof material, and a porous polyester shell provides effective natural ventilation. The outer surface of the jacket is reflective, which is provided by microscopic glass beads sewn into the fabric that reflect light from sources at a distance of up to 500 feet (over 152 meters).
Two inertial sensors are used to monitor the ride process, one located under the saddle on the bike and the other on the Cirrus Airbag jacket. When braking suddenly, the sensors are triggered and a command is given to inflate the jacket.
The Cirrus Airbag inflates at just 0.08 seconds with a removable carbon dioxide cylinder integrated into the jacket. As a result, when falling from a bicycle, a person receives protection for the neck, chest, abdominal cavity and back. It is noteworthy that in 65% of cases of severe injuries cyclists injure the back and chest.
It takes up to 10 minutes to prepare the Cirrus Airbag jacket for reuse. The jacket weighs about 1.8 kg, and the battery for the sensors allows you to work in autonomous mode for a week. Recharging the battery takes three hours. The Cirrus Airbag jacket is resistant to multiple washes.
A fundraising campaign has been launched on the Kickstarter crowdfunding site for the production of the Cirrus Airbag jacket. Thirty days before the completion of the project, five times more funds have been received than is necessary to start the production. The first customers will be able to get the Cirrus Airbag for $116 by September 2021. The jacket’s retail price will be twice as much.
