Cyclists can help to stay safe during solo or family rides with the Busby app, which is available for free download on any IOS and Android smartphones.
The app has recently been nominated as Best Cycling Safety App by Cycling Weekly. The incident detection app, which uses sensors in a mobile phone to automatically detect a crash or a fall, geolocates the user and alerts their emergency contacts.
Busby had a ‘soft launch’ in November 2019. The simple to use app is used by cyclists and road users to ‘predict, prevent, detect and analyse road accidents, and is now active in 24 countries, across six continents’ and has claimed to have ‘saved three lives already’.
Kirk Ryan, Busby Co-Founder and Technical Director said “I’ve been overwhelmed with the feedback and praise for Busby from within the cycling community. Our recent investment will allow us to get Busby out to even more cyclists than ever before and accelerate our ambitious plans for future developments that will also benefit the cycling community. We also look forward to bringing Busby 2.0 out shortly.”
In the midst of COVID-19, the number of lone cyclists has increased, as a result, the Busby team notes that there is increased risk of injury which would lead to more pressure on health services. Busby is keen to highlight the benefits that using its app brings to ‘de-risking cycling and helping users stay safe on the road.’
Busby is a free download. Key Workers across the globe are being offered the ability to upgrade to Busby Premium for free, for the next six months. Busby premium offers more features such as greater partner discounts and the addition of more emergency contacts in the case of an incident.
To take advantage of this offer, Key Workers and NHS staff should download Busby and email: contact[at]k-safe.com with their username and email address and the account will be upgraded for free.
James Duffy, Busby Co-Founder and Commercial Director said “Busby is made by the community for the community. We started developing the technology after our friend and co-founder Barry was almost killed in a cycling accident involving a van several years ago. We set a goal to build a safety brand defined by something different.
“With COVID19 we know how much pressure key workers are under, and on the other hand we have seen a large increase in downloads globally with cyclists wanting additional free safety whilst they’re out on the roads. With the increase in cycling activity, this brings more risk of injury, which would mean more pressure on key workers.
“We are encouraging all cyclists to download Busby and if they do need help, their location will be sent directly to their chosen family member first.”
Busby owner K-Safe partnered with technology leaders What3Words to allow an injured user’s location to be ‘pinpointed faster and more accurately than ever before.’ If an injured user is still conscious, they will also see a St Johns Ambulance safety checklist in-app, to help ensure they can stay safe while assistance is on the way.
Busby also rewards cyclists for being safe. Partners including Limar, Giro, Muc-Off, Craghoppers, QuadLock, Blackmore and Hedkayse. These brands offer ‘significant discounts off their own products and services for Busby users.’
Jonny Oldenshaw, Bikmo’s Partnerships Manager, said “It was a no brainer for me; my family won’t stop nagging me about my safety on the roads… helmet… check, reflectives… check, and I can happily say Busby… check! Now they don’t have to worry when I decide to add some more miles on the route and I’m not back in time for tea, as Busby hasn’t gotten in touch. It’s super easy to get this sophisticated bit of tech, all you have to do is download the app for free – so you have no excuse for not giving it a try.”
