Netherlands Witnessed a Rise in Cyclist Fatalities

At UNIT 1, after creating our first smart helmet, we discovered some fascinating insights:

• Our users feel safer. They tell us that the lights and the ability to communicate their maneuvers improve their experience of sharing the road with vehicles and their overall sense of security. 

• They also tell us that wearing a high-quality helmet that looks good is gratifying. For many, it was the reason why they chose us.

• But what caught our attention the most, and truly made us understand the depth of our mission, was hearing from riders who believe our helmets helped save their lives. We have received photos of our helmets in ambulances, with visible damage after an impact. Messages from family members thanking us because the helmet’s fall detection feature alerted them after an accident. Stories from riders who felt the helmet’s lights helped them avoid collisions.

These personal experiences matter to us. They remind us that behind every helmet is someone riding to work, meeting friends, or heading home to their family. They are individual accounts, rather than proof that a helmet will prevent every collision or injury.

Annual totals deserve attention, but they do not explain every contributing factor or tell us how risky an individual journey is. Understanding changes in risk also requires information about how many people cycle, how far they travel, and the conditions they encounter.

For riders, the practical question is what we can do before the next journey. For cities and other road users, it is how to make those journeys safer through road design, considerate driving, and better conditions for cycling. Cycling safety is a shared responsibility. Personal equipment is one part of that bigger picture.

A helmet, lighting, and clear communication serve different purposes. A helmet is designed to help manage impact energy. Lights provide additional visibility. Signaling helps other road users understand what you intend to do.

At UNIT 1, those considerations shape products such as AURA and NEON.

You probably know your usual commute well. You know which junction gets busy, where cars tend to park, and which stretch feels darker on the journey home. That familiarity is useful, but it can also make preparation feel less necessary.

A short ride still deserves a quick check. A late meeting might mean returning after sunset. A bag placed differently could obscure a rear light. Roadworks might send you along a route you have never ridden before.

Before You Leave

Take a moment to check the basics:

• Check your helmet. Make sure it is securely fastened and adjusted according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Check your lights. Confirm they are working, visible, and sufficiently charged for the return journey.
• Check your route. Allow time for unfamiliar junctions, roadworks, or a quieter alternative.
• Check your setup. Secure loose belongings and choose your lighting settings before you start moving.

While You Ride

Give yourself time to respond to what is happening around you. A familiar street can change when a vehicle stops unexpectedly, a door opens, or another rider changes direction.

Communicate your intentions, follow local traffic rules, and adapt your riding to the conditions. If you need to change a setting on your phone or equipment, stop somewhere suitable first.The goal is to make preparation part of your routine, just like taking your keys before leaving home.