Is Cycling Entering a New Era of On-Bike Safety?

Velofollies, Belgium’s biggest and most comprehensive cycling trade show, returned to Kortrijk from January 16-18 with a familiar role in the European calendar. The event is widely regarded as the second biggest cycling trade show in Europe and a key venue for product launches, early technology previews, and emerging trends across road, gravel, and performance cycling.

Among the most talked about innovations on the show floor was a wearable airbag system aimed at elite racing. Developed by Aerobag, the technology is already attracting interest at the highest level of the sport, with a WorldTour team expected to integrate the system in 2026.

Built for Elite Racing

Aerobag has been designed specifically for professional cycling environments where weight, aerodynamics, and freedom of movement are non-negotiable. The system is set to be used by Team Picnic PostNL during training this season, with the possibility of race day use pending further evaluation.

Unlike bulkier motorcycle style airbags, Aerobag is integrated directly into cycling apparel. The system uses TPU tubes that are sewn into channels within a lightly modified pair of bib shorts, combined with a small pouch positioned at the lower back. This pouch houses the electronics and a user replaceable CO2 cartridge. From the outside, the system is almost invisible, with only a subtle bump at the rear indicating the cartridge housing.

How the System Works

At the core of Aerobag is a network of nine high precision electronic sensors paired with a detection algorithm. The system continuously monitors rider dynamics including position, speed, acceleration, and motion patterns at a rate of 200 Hz.

When the software identifies an anomaly consistent with a crash, deployment occurs in under 100 milliseconds. The TPU tubes inflate instantly, forming a protective air chamber around the rider. Coverage is focused on areas most vulnerable in high-speed impacts, including the hips, pelvis, ribs, trunk, torso, collarbones, and neck.

Aerobag has also been engineered to minimize any impact on performance. Total system weight is approximately 500 grams, with low bulk construction and no measurable aerodynamic penalty.

What This Could Mean for the Sport

Both cyclists and triathletes face the risk of crashes on the bike – a hazard long viewed as inherent to the sport. However, safety technologies such as Aerobag could begin to shift that risk profile in meaningful ways, not only for elites, but also for everyday age-groupers.