Inflatable barriers aim to reduce serious injury in bike races
A new safety system was tested on Thursday during the second stage of the Baloise Belgium Tour bike race. The inflatable pads were installed at the finish zone in Putte, Antwerp province.
The Safe Cycling Finish Barriers consist of inflatable pads that are installed against the fences in the last straight or at other crucial points on the course. The cushions significantly reduce the impact for a falling rider.
“Falls in an oncoming peloton where riders end up in the barriers or falls or slip at dangerous points on the course are unfortunately unavoidable in cycling,” organiser Golazo said on Friday.
"It's about protecting riders as much as possible in the event of a fall"
“So it’s about significantly reducing the chances of those falls, but at the same time protecting riders as much as possible in the event of a fall.”
Safe Cycling, part of the Golazo Group and involved in safety solutions in the race, developed the barriers with METEC.
“The system is very compact and easy to set up,” Golazo said. “Folded up, 200m of cushions can easily fit into the boot of a car, which makes the system not only safer for the riders but also a lot more durable than other systems, which sometimes require several trucks.”
#FlandersNewsService | ©
Belgian Jasper Philipsen wins the second stage of the Baloise Belgium Tour, 19 June 2025. The new safety barriers can be seen behind the cyclists © BELGA PHOTO DAVID PINTENS
Related news
