Catering to design-conscious urban cyclists who'd rather not sacrifice style for safety, a group of Danish designers has created a bicycle helmet with interchangeable covers.
Copenhagen-based Yakkay sells a simple shell helmet (dubbed "Smart One") that's tucked away under one of ten different covers. The helmet retails at DKK 599 (EUR 80 / USD 120), and the covers are sold for DKK 299 (EUR 40 / USD 60). While chin straps betray their true nature, the helmets otherwise resemble hats and caps worn for fashion, not protection.
Yakkay states that the number of seriously injured cyclists with head injuries is around 2,500 per year in Denmark (on a total population of under 5.5 million). And that's in a country where motorists are accustomed to cyclists, and where most roads have separate bicycle lanes. As more consumers across the world hop on their bikes to reduce their gas bills, carbon footprints and waistlines, the market for innovative cycling products and services should grow at a healthy pace. One to tap into! Easy way to get started? Ask Yakkay about regional distribution opportunities. (Related: Stylish fire protection kits.)
Update: please don't email Yakkay about international distribution. They wrote to tell us that they have a plan in place for their international launch and are currently receiving too many distributor requests.
Website: www.yakkay.com
Contact: info@yakkay.com
Spotted by: Lori Webb
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They have sold these at every city corner in Vietnam
since the helmet law for motorbikes was introduced last year... for $20 with caps. Albeit they are probably not safe and tested at all.
I like the two Danish Girls - Claydies version of a summer hat/helmet.
http://spottedbynormanncopenhagen.com/2008/04/21/summer-hat-bicycle-helmet/
Speedy, helmets diminish the impact of (not prevent) injuries. My life was saved by a bike helmet when i was knocked off my bike and hit my head on a square post. The impact left a 90 degree impression in the helmet that as ambulance officers and doctors were both adamant that I'd be dead without it. Looking at the helmet it is impossible to argue that it did not diminish the severity of the accident. Of course I sustained other injuries, but it could have been a lot worse.
I fear it will be difficult to convince people who confuse a sense of freedom with safety, but I sure hope that if they have children then they don't risk their childrens wellbeing.
Why didn't they think of this sooner?! They look great. Now I really have no excuse not to ride my bike to work...
cheers, candy
www.carrieanddanielle.com
great.. if only helmets worked and prevented any serious injuries..
read more at http://www.copenhagenize.com/2008/08/helmets-or-health.html
speedy | August 11, 2008 4:56 PM