Biflatables

A balloon suit (pedestrian airbag) prototype experiments with a new mode of pedestrian travel alternative to that of the modern sidewalk. A harness attached to a 4-foot diameter helium-filled weather balloon mitigates the danger of both the sidewalk and its surrounding landscape by providing its wearer with greater buoyancy in the event of tripping or loss of balance. When wearing the Biflatable, the balloonist feels a noticeable counteractive upward ‘tug’ from the overhead balloon.

Responding to the preliminary testing of the pedestrian “airbag,” the enhanced Biflatable and Beta Suit utilizes two 5-foot diameter balloons to provide its wearer with greater counter-buoyancy as well as improved mobility within the harness. Further, the Biflatable is not only an alternative to the sidewalk but rather a fully-integrated replacement which enhances the pedestrian experience of public spaces.