The Soft Bicycle 360 from AB Dynamics and sister company DRI has been approved by Euro NCAP for official testing. It joins the companies’ expanding line-up of certified test equipment, which includes targets and propulsion systems for cars, motorcycles and pedestrians.
“Cyclist safety is increasingly under the spotlight, as they represent a growing share of road fatalities in the EU,” said Dr Andrew Pick, business director for track test systems at AB Dynamics. “To combat this, Euro NCAP has recently increased the number of test scenarios involving a cyclist for both the passenger-vehicle and HGV programs. As these scenarios become more complex and demanding, the industry needs test objects that are both realistic and robust. That’s why it is great to have the Soft Bicycle 360 approved by Euro NCAP, so we can help contribute to improved safety for cyclists.”
AB Dynamics supplied extensive certification and back-to-back test data, in collaboration with an established Euro NCAP laboratory, to verify that the target is accurate, reliable and effective in ADAS testing programs.
The Soft Bicycle 360 is 30% lighter than comparable targets, while maintaining stiffness. It has been designed to reduce the potential for damage to vehicles under test but is still highly durable. It features a single-piece frame architecture that removes the requirement for connectors, which are prone to failure, and eliminates the need for time-consuming rebuilds after impact. It is manufactured from a thin rubberized material, with strategically placed internal reinforcement encased within the frame to provide the necessary stiffness.
The rider’s legs, arms and torso are made from lightweight foam wrapped in abrasion-resistant clothing for added durability. The materials used for the rider and the bicycle have been optimized to generate representative radar reflectivity, ensuring precise sensor characterization in ADAS test scenarios.
The wheel design features a rim that combines a durable soft foam core with a protective rubberized skin, forming the tire profile while eliminating hard points that could come in contact with a test vehicle. Soft nylon string spokes connect the rim to the hub, reducing the risk of breakage or vehicle damage compared with metal alternatives, enhancing both durability and ease of repair in this vulnerable area.
The wheels make contact with the road using the same patented technology featured on the Soft Motorcycle 360, meaning the wheel speed is inherently speed-matched and lateral forces are reduced to improve wheel stability. The design of the frame and wheel enables travel forward and backward. This enables the target to be returned to its starting position quickly.
In related news, AB Dynamics streamlines Euro NCAP 2026 testing