Subaru unveils cyclist-protecting airbag in response to rising bike accidents

In an era where sustainable mobility is on the rise, Subaru offers an external airbag for cyclists, designed to reduce the impact of accidents and protect those who choose to ride a bike every day

Cycling is on the rise—especially in cities. More and more people are choosing to ride their bikes every day, whether it’s for commuting to work, school, or simply moving around in a more sustainable way. Bicycles symbolize freedom and environmental responsibility, but cyclists remain highly vulnerable—especially in traffic-heavy urban settings.

Despite awareness campaigns, bike lanes (often inadequate), and updated traffic regulations, accidents involving cyclists are still on the rise. In this context, a new technology from Subaru is making waves: the automaker has introduced an external airbag designed specifically to protect cyclists during a crash.

An airbag that inflates over the car’s hood

Unveiled at the 2024 Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, the device is an external airbag that inflates within milliseconds in the event of a collision with a cyclist. It deploys over the front of the vehicle, covering the hood, headlights, and windshield.

Its goal? To soften the blow for the cyclist, who is often violently thrown against these rigid surfaces during a crash.

Unlike previous designs, this airbag isn’t for pedestrians—it’s tailor-made for cyclists. Subaru engineered it based on the specific dynamics of cyclist impacts. Bikers move faster than pedestrians and sit higher off the ground, which makes them more susceptible to severe trauma in collisions.

The airbag, tested on a prototype Subaru Forester, is triggered by a network of sensors that detect imminent danger. It deploys in milliseconds to prevent the most serious injuries—like head trauma and compound fractures, which are among the leading causes of cyclist fatalities.

More cyclists, more accidents

That Subaru has invested in cyclist-specific protection is a powerful signal. But a single piece of technology won’t fix a structural problem. Cyclists still face unsafe roads, poor infrastructure, and distracted drivers on a daily basis.

Data shows that bicycle-related accidents are steadily increasing, driven in part by the surge in urban cycling. And while cities talk a lot about promoting sustainable mobility, they often fail to truly protect those who choose it.

“Our goal is to reduce road fatalities, and we believe this technology can play a part,” Subaru stated.

But that raises a deeper question: can an airbag alone save cyclists, or is it just one piece of a much larger puzzle? True safety will require a comprehensive urban planning strategy—one that prioritizes cyclists from the ground up.

Sources: YouTube – @mijyu_kuroki