The world's first rear view helmet which allows cyclists to see what is happening behind them on the road, has gone on sale in Ireland.
The "Reevu" helmet uses three mirrors to channel the image looking out from the back of the head, to a point centrally above the crown of the head and from there it is reflected to a small mirror on the peak or front of the helmet.
According to its developers the mirror was necessary to provide continuous vision while turning, unlike handle bar mounted mirrors which Reevu claims move out of vision when the handlebars are turned.
The new system is modelled on the driver's mirror in a car and according to Mr Billy Morgan, managing director of Reevu Limited, ensures the rear view remains accessible to the cyclist throughout the turning motion and at all other times.
Importantly from a road safety point of view this negates the need to turn or look over your shoulder at junctions.
The helmet which retails at £49.95 sterling for a standard model, and £64.95 for a "de luxe" model has caused a stir of interest in the UK where it has been available since March, featuring on the television science programme Tomorrow's World and in a number of press and magazine reports. According to Mr Morgan the inspiration for the helmet came when a friend's child was knocked off his bicycle while out cycling.
"The mirror version means no more shaky steering while you are looking over your shoulder and no loss of vision of the road in front when you are looking behind you", Mr Morgan said yesterday.
Mr Morgan said the system could also be used on motorbikes.
"Many companies have designed clip on mirrors that protrude from a helmet and other such 'external' devices or bicycle accessories, but never before had serious consideration been given to integrating a rear vision system into the shell of a helmet", he said.
The patented multiple mirror system is fitted within the Reevu cycle safety helmet which is manufactured from a reflective polycarbonate material rather than glass. Unlike glass, this material is almost impossible to break and is lighter providing additional safety and comfort to the wearer.
The challenge was to achieve this design within the very limited space of the housing of a cycle helmet.
It took seven years of research before the prototype was developed and the helmet is manufactured in France and exported to most European countries.
It has recently achieved the European safety certificate CE, and has been approved for sale in the US. It is available in Ireland from Richies at the Town Centre Mall in Swords, Co Dublin, or through a website at www.reevu.com
