lock on by hanjong kim from korea

Lock-on is a new type of bicycle helmet that can be “locked-on” to the bicycle. Eco-friendliness and well-being are two keywords that effectively reflect the new global trend. Major urban cities recognize bicycle as the new way to travel that not only cares about the environment, but also the health of the bicycle users.

Seoul, one of the biggest metropolises that want to build a people-oriented city, is greatly increasing bicycle infrastructure coverage, which includes roads, racks, and rental system, in public domains. Renting and riding the bicycle is easier; the issue regarding safety and security, however, has not been solved.

In May of 2010, we have conducted a survey on 200 bicycle riders. Surprisingly, while 71.5% of bicycle riders recognized helmet as indispensable safety equipment, only 22.4% answered to actually use it. The main reason why bike-riders, who recognize helmet as vital equipment, do not use helmet is because of its inconvenience in carrying (67%).

In this sense, we propose a new type of helmet, which allows convenience in carrying by locking it onto the bicycle as a lock. This way, the rider can be free from the difficulty of carrying the helmet, while increase the security of the bicycle. By eliminating the inconvenience, helmet usage and the safety of the riders will increase.

Cycling is coming back. Renting a bicycle has become increasingly popular in Seoul. Borrowing a helmet, however, has not been seen. By having to rent a “Lock-on” helmet when renting a bicycle, Seoul Metropolitan Government, who holds “Caring for Citizens” with sustainable design as their vision, can not only increase the safety of bicycle riders, but also protect the environment with a sustainable system.