Cycling gear is evolving at the same speed in which the popularity for every-day cycling has grown, if not faster. New designs and developments in cycling gear have opted for simplicity, practicality and comfort. These are all qualities that can be found in the latest safety accessories.
Products reviews for the Swedish-made Hövding started appearing online in 2010, although its creators have been busy with the design since 2005. The Hövding is the first inflatable bicycle helmet that does not even look like a helmet. The appeal of the Hövding is found in its sleek design, whereby the user has only to wear a collar around the neck, which inflates once its’ in-built sensors have determined that the user made an ‘abnormal’ movement – such as when an accident occurs. This video illustrates the moment of impact with a car and a dummy- and the Hövding’s response: inflating at the speed of 0.1 seconds, the helmet appears just in time to prevent major injuries as the dummy hits the ground.
The internet’s response to the Hövding has been largely positive, although some lament the heavy price tag. But is 399 euros too high a price to pay for a cool, sleek, and smooth accessory that might also save your life? That’s up to you to decide. The only downside that we can agree on is the product’s one-time-use, meaning that it might not be worth it if you are accident-prone. In this day and age, though, there is an alternative to everything, and as an alternative to the Hövding we offer the Danish-designed Yakkay helmets.
Like with the Hövding, the Yakkay helmets are also focused on making the safety of cycling more fashionable, especially for the urban cyclist.
In the Netherlands, Fietsklik’s home-base, cycling been integrated into the traffic system to the point where helmets are simple ‘not done’- since cyclists have their own lanes, the chances of a strong collision with other vehicles is minimal. Perhaps also the fact that most people ride on classic models, instead of racing on road bikes, makes the Dutch less likely to integrate safety cycle-gear into their every-day look.
Nevertheless, the risks of urban cycling still loom large, and products like Yakkay and the Hövding recognize that (urban) cyclists still want to look good while protecting their heads.
Yakkay helmets come in two parts: one, the helmet itself, which is available in various colours and has several air-holes on the top. And then the second and crucial part: the helmet hat-cover. Each hat-cover can be changed around, with various choices available to please a number of fashion styles. Of course, it is not as technologically developed as the Hövding, with its intricate sensor mechanism. Nevertheless! the Yakkay are adaptable and, for now, offer the most attainable and stylish solution against riding helmet-free.
As Fietsklik supports the seamless integration of cycling into everyday life, we would like to promote more safety measures - yes! even in places where cycling is the norm. So we will be offering Yakkay helmets on our webshop and Amsterdam store - check up on us soon!
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