This awkward-looking augmented reality helmet could make cycling way safer

Virtual reality is often the domain of the gamers or savvy travel marketers. Now a forward-thinking design collective called the Future Cities Catapult is entering the game by proposing five new technologies to make cycling safer — including an awkward-looking visor embedded with a heads-up display. The new technologies are a part of the collective's effort to identify and accelerate technologies that could enhance urban life. Cycling is a significant part of those working in cities, as it can offer a more affordable, healthier and oftentimes faster ways for workers to get to the office.

The "New User Experiences for Cyclists" include the following:

Augmented Paths Network: by wearing a visor that can be moved over the eyes, a cyclist could receive visual directions. This offers a quick way to analyze the space ahead for safety, and "could give much more subtle spatial and contextual information that builds on the surroundings of the cyclist."

Wayfinding with landmark prompts: the heads-up display could also be used to overlay directions and distances for the cyclist. This facilitates confident navigation and allows cyclists to focus on safety first. Landmarks are also called out explicitly to aid in landmark recognition for memorizing new paths.

Pollution free routing: A small device attached to the handlebars would indicate the pollution levels of roads ahead, encouraging cyclists to take backstreets which not only makes for a healthier cycling environment but increases safety with fewer moving vehicles.

Blind spot visualization: One of the most dangerous situations a cyclist can encounter is an oversized vehicle, such as a bus or truck, turning across the bike lane. This clever laser attaches to the side of a large vehicle and visually etches out that vehicle's blind spot for cyclists to avoid.

Route rectification: This attachment works for bike sharing, where those who rent a bike can attach a dongle, enter a destination, and receive simple directions via lights to get to that destination without complication.

Each of these ideas are neat technologies that could enhance the cycling experience not just for urban dwellers but for travelers biking in an unfamiliar city. Such tech-boosted biking would change the experience from one of slight fright to cool confidence.