Two guys from Harvard build a high-tech helmet to reduce cyclist deaths

A smart bike helmet that helps cyclists stay safe and visible on the road has raised more than double its target on crowdfunding site Kickstarter.

Lumos, invented by Eu-wen Ding and Jeff Chen, who both went to Harvard, features integrated lights similar to those on cars.

Its front and rear lights make road users aware of a cyclist’s presence. The red rear lights are arranged to form a triangle, a commonly used warning symbol on the road. White LEDs at the front make the cyclist visible to approaching vehicles and helps the cyclist navigate better.

Yellow arrows on the sides of the helmet are triggered by wireless controls on the bike’s handlebars. They allow cyclists to signal whether they’re about to switch lanes or make a turn.

Meanwhile, an integrated accelerometer automatically turns the rear lights into bright solid red when the cyclist slows down or stops.

You can recharge Lumos with a micro USB cable like you would your phone. A full charge will allow you to use the helmet for 30 minutes every day for a week.

Boston-based Lumos breached its US$125,000 goal on Kickstarter on the day it launched. The project has raised US$338,899 as of writing, and with 22 more days to go.

Saving cyclists’ lives

“It’s important for cyclists to always wear a helmet. However, traditional helmets really only serve as an insurance in the event of a crash or collision. We wondered if we could make a helmet that could do something more proactive to prevent a collision from happening in the first place,” Ding says of their product.