About Hiper
The Hiper project, short for Helmet Impact Protection Effectiveness Rating, is dedicated to creating an evidence-based rating system to help consumers evaluate the safety performance of cycle helmets on UK roads. This involved developing a test protocol and rating system that assesses both linear and rotational risks, determining the risk of skull fracture and focal injuries as well as the risk of diffuse brain injuries. Our vision is to continually expand and update the rating system in line with scientific research and market changes, encouraging manufacturers to enhance technology and improve cyclist safety.
Who we are
We are researchers at the HEAD lab, Dyson School of Design Engineering, Imperial College, with over 15 years experience in the fields of Brain Injury Biomechanics and Helmet Testing and Design. Our work has been published in prestigious peer-reviewed scientific publications. In addition, we are members of international helmet standards committees, where we are contributing to the development of next generation of helmet safety standards. We are also working with helmet manufacturers to guide the development of novel and improved helmet designs.
What is hiper?
Hiper is an independent helmet rating programme, developed based on state-of-the-art knowledge of brain injury biomechanics and evidence from real-world data. It addresses a gap between helmet standards, which ensure minimum safety of helmets sold on the market, and a range of choices that consumers are facing when purchasing a helmet. It provides objective information about helmet safety performance and aims to inform consumers who choose to wear a helmet. The hiper testing methodology is aligned with the latest developments in helmet standards. This helps helmet manufacturers to leverage the effort they put into meeting the new standards to improve their products beyond the minimum requirements set by standards. In long-term, hiper will lead to a substantial improvement in helmet safety.
The Hiper project, spearheaded by the research team at the HEAD Lab, Imperial College London, and sponsored by Road Safety Trust, has developed a new method for rating bicycle helmets. Drawing on extensive research in brain injury biomechanics and active participation in European standardisation committees, the team has evaluated and rated 30 of the UK cyclists’ most favoured cycle helmets.
Our methodology
To establish helmet safety performance, the head kinematics results are carefully reviewed and used to estimate the risk of brain injuries associated with the direct forces (linear risk), those associated with the rotational motion of the head (rotational risk) and the total risk.