Falling on a bicycle is something everyone does unfortunately. We try to avoid it, but whether as kids or adults it hurts. Now researchers at the Swedish Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) are looking to create a new form of asphalt that could help reduce bicycle slide-outs while also provide some added cushion should a rider fall.
While regular asphalt is mostly crushed stones and bitumen, a petroleum byproduct that acts as a binding agent, the researchers are reportedly looking to blend in a bit more recycled tire rubber to soften the mix. This might still be a painful landing, but it could soften the blow.