classic33
Leg End Member
I’M A BIT PUZZLED BY THE REACTION FROM CYCLISTS, WHEN I’M GOING ‘IT’S A SAFETY DEVICE - IT'S FOR YOUR SAFETY’.
The designer behind the controversial SmartHat, a conceptual helmet that could be fitted with a registration plate, says he’s committed to developing the idea further and is bemused by the response among the cycling community.
Toby King, who launched the design two weeks ago with a presentation to Mosman Council says the idea for the multifunction device, which could also include SatNav, biometrics, and windscreen wipers, spawned in response to discussions in the Sydney newspapers as to whether cyclists should be registered.
“From what I was reading there was a sense of frustrations in the papers,” King told Cycling Central. “Cycling has increased in the city, and it’s become quite an inflammatory issue. I know that Minister (Duncan) Gay’s department is calling for the registration of cyclists, and I decided to put my mind to it.
“I thought, maybe instead of registering bikes, registering helmets would be a better solution.”
King’s contention is that registration would solve potential liability issues that cyclists could have with pedestrians, other cyclists, even pets. The natural market then, he says, is insurance companies who might subsidise the device through their policies.
“My thinking was, here’s something that will improve safety with the same mechanisms and devices of other road users.