A NORTH-EAST inventor has launched a ground-breaking cycling accessory to shield wind noise and keep cyclists safer on the move after he had a near miss with a lorry while riding his bike.

Durham businessman David Crampton was inspired to create the product after he was almost knocked off his bicycle by a lorry several years ago when he was prevented from hearing it coming up behind him because of wind noise.

Known as Helmet Angel shells and suitable for cyclists of all ages, the new product features two shell-shaped aerodynamic discs which strap securely to adults’ and children’s cycling helmets and can remain permanently in place to protect the rider from wind noise.

The outer shell encourages wind to stream past without noise, while an inner cushion blocks out wind by contouring to the cyclist’s face, the shells’ aerodynamic design streams wind over the rider’s ears whilst providing warmth and protection to the user.

Mr Crampton said: “At the time the near-miss incident happened to me, I was working at a carpet factory, where you had to wear earplugs while on site due to the noise levels.

“I began adapting these earplugs to try to create something that would deflect wind noise while riding my bike.”

“My hope for the product is that it will bring more awareness to listening. Cyclists should always be aware of what is happening around them, but most especially behind them, so that they can react quickly and efficiently to road traffic, commands and warnings.”

He said laboratory tests have shown the product to be highly effective at deflecting wind noise.

Riders who have trialled the product found the shells help to determine the direction of approaching traffic much more easily, achieving an overall safer riding experience and helping them to communicate more easily with fellow riders while on the move.

The product, which has been getting “rave reviews” since its launch was recently tested over a three-day cycle on the Coast-to-Coast route by a cycling team from Omega Plastics.

Ride leader Rob Gray said: “The Helmet Angel shells were absolutely great. We experienced a lot of high winds and driving rain during the ride, especially when cycling over higher ground, and the shells really helped to protect our ears and aid our hearing.

“This was beneficial not only for hearing traffic, but also for communicating with the other riders.”

For further information, please visit www.helmetangel.com