pro Cycling Safety Under Scrutiny: Airbags and licensing Debated for 2026
teh Velo Podcast recently tackled the critical question of enhancing safety in professional cycling,exploring the potential of rider airbags and a proposed “super license” system. Host Mike Levy, alongside tech editors Alvin Holbrook and Josh Ross, dissected whether these solutions would genuinely improve rider safety, as concerns mount over increasingly high-speed crashes within the pro peloton.
the discussion centered on the viability of bib shorts equipped with automatically inflating airbags – technology proven effective in MotoGP. While the potential for impact protection is clear, the podcast team debated practical considerations like weight penalties, comfort during long stages, and potential resistance from clothing sponsors.
Beyond airbags, the conversation turned to a licensing system suggested by CPA president Adam Hansen.The editors considered the merits of proficiency tests for professional riders, questioning what skills such courses should prioritize and whether the administrative burden would outweigh the safety benefits.
Looking ahead to 2026, the podcast also previewed anticipated updates to several gravel bikes, with speculation focusing on a potential new Specialized Crux and broader trends in the gravel bike market. Nine new or updated models are expected, prompting discussion on the evolving demands of the discipline.
Listeners can join Josh and Levy on a Zwift group ride; details are available here. Previous episodes of the Velo Podcast can be found here.
(Podcast timestamps for key discussion points):
* 00:00 Intro
* 6:10 Airbags in bib shorts: safety implications
* 28:10 Potential solutions discussed
* 32:45 Evaluating the “Super License” concept
* 41:00 Gravel bike predictions for 2026