Smart Bicycle Helmet for Improved Safety: Automated Features for Rider Protection

Abstract

This paper presents the design and development of a smart bicycle helmet aimed at improving cyclist safety through integrated manual and automated safety features. The proposed system employs a dual-microcontroller architecture consisting of an ESP32-C3 for the handlebar unit and a Wemos D1 Mini (ESP8266) for the helmet unit. The handlebar unit controls an automatic headlight using a light-dependent resistor and processes manual left and right turn signal inputs, which are transmitted wirelessly to the helmet unit via ESP-NOW communication.
The helmet unit integrates LED turn indicators, a BMI160 accelerometer for accident detection, and a GSM module for emergency notification. Accident detection is based on accelerometer-derived G-force thresholds, classifying impacts into mild (2 Gs), moderate (3 Gs), and severe (4 Gs) events. Severe impacts trigger SMS alerts to pre-registered emergency contacts. Experimental evaluation through ten trial tests demonstrated consistent turn signal operation, reliable accident detection, and successful emergency message transmission with no false alerts during normal riding conditions. The proposed system provides a practical and cost-effective safety solution suitable for bicycle applications in low-visibility and traffic-dense environments