Australian designer floats concept of a helmet with a licence plate

In the latest futuristic cycling innovation to come out of Australia, designer Toby King presents a helmet with a number plate as the solution to licensing cyclists.

(Image credit: © smarthat.info)

As politicians in New South Wales, Australia, consider plans to license cyclists, an opportunistic designer has submitted his ideas for a helmet with a number plate on it.

With helmet use compulsory Down Under, Toby King’s design would double up as a cycling safety device, with a host of lights and warnings alerting the cyclist to danger.

The ‘smart hat’ includes a speaker to warn the cyclist when they are riding too close to pedestrians, as well as a visor with its own wiper and mirrors installed.

Smart Hat 3

(c) smarthat.info
(Image credit: © smarthat.info)

smart hat 1

(c) smarthat.info
(Image credit: © smarthat.info)

King presented his concept to Mosman Council, saying: “This is a concept for better road safety. It is not a product or a business, it is a concept design,” he said.

“There are not many features on the current helmets that makes them safe.”

It’s the latest futuristic design to come out of Australia, coming after the X-wing-style handlebars created by 4DESIGN with the help of 2011 Tour de France winner Cadel Evans and Oakley.

Source: Telegraph (Australia)

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Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.