Boffins create ‘smart helmet’ that allows cyclists to listen to music without drowning out the sound of traffic
Device transmits audio through ’bone conduction’ technology - eliminating need for headphones
A 'SMART helmet' that allows cyclists to listen to music without drowning out the sound of traffic will cut down the number of accidents caused by riders wearing headphones, its creators hope.
The device features a wireless headset that hangs from the helmet and straps to the user's cheekbone or jawbone.
The sound is then conveyed through a technique known as 'bone conduction technology', which involves sound waves vibrating against the bones, before reaching the cochlea which transmits it to the brain.
The process bypasses the ear canal and eardrums, eliminating the need for headphones - allowing users to hear their surroundings.
Cycling fatalities occur with tragic regularity on UK roads, with over 100 people dying each year and thousands more seriously injured.
Start-up company Coros think their helmet could significantly reduce fatality rates around the world.
Users of the Coros LINX helmet, which weighs 400g, can wirelessly listen to music, podcasts and make phone calls by connecting their phone to the helmet via bluetooth.
A device mounted to the handlebars is used to adjust the volume, pause and skip songs, and answer and reject calls without having to stop and get the phone out.
Along with voice navigation from a GPS there is also a group communication tool which lets cyclists who are wearing the helmet interact with one another as they ride.
The outside of the waterproof helmet is made from a polycarbonate shell while EPS impact foam lines the inside.
It has a ten hour battery life and takes one and half hours to charge with a USB cable.
Another cutting-edge feature is the implementation of an emergency alert system, which notifies an emergency contact when the helmet experiences significant impact.
The smart helmet's creators say that a worrying amount of accidents happen because bike riders can't hear the sound of an engine coming from behind them or because the ring of another cyclists bell is inaudible over the sound of their music.
Chuck Frizelle, CEO of US-based Coros, said: "We are trying to solve the big problem that exists of people listening to music while they're cycling.
"People are taking chances when they decide to do that, there are so many distractions to the road.
"It would be great if in a few years we can look back and see that we actually effected cyclicts' injury rates, that's the ultimate goal."
He added: "LINX is a smart cycling helmet for people who want to enjoy the key features of their phone while cycling without enduring the hassle of ear buds and wires.
"You can listen to your own music, take phone calls, talk to fellow riders, and hear navigation and ride data through the helmet.
"We've wirelessly put all that you love about smart phone technology on your head and at your fingertips as you ride.
"It works by turning audio in to vibrations that go straight in to your inner ear from the tabs of your helmet strap."
Coros, which currently employ seven members of staff, will launch a Kickstarter campaign to help fund the product's accompanying app.
The Coros LINX will be available to buy from the crowdfunding site on September 7 at a start price of £75 for early birds, rising to £150 after it hits shelves.
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