Folding bike helmet wins James Dyson Award

CTV News Channel: Unfolding the EcoHelmet James Dyson Award winner and EcoHelmet designer Isis Shiffer explains what makes her paper helmet sturdy and able to prevent injuries.

A folding helmet geared toward bike share users has been named international winner of the annual James Dyson Award.

The James Dyson Award recognizes the best in design of the past 12 months and is open to university students or recent graduates in the fields of product design, industrial design and engineering.

EcoHelmet from Isis Shiffer on Vimeo.

The 2016 winner, Isis Shiffer, recently graduated from the Pratt Institute of Design in New York City and developed her foldable, recyclable helmet in response to the fact that many users of bike share programs do not wear helmets.

The EcoHelmet uses a honeycomb design that protects the head from impact but folds neatly when not in use. A biodegradable coating makes it rain-resistant for three hours.

Shiffer will be awarded $45,000 to further develop the helmet.