Emergency info in a shoe: DMT to expand use of NFC tech

The next step in cycling safety could revolve around wearable near-field communication (NFC) technology, which is making its way into cycling gear in an attempt to make riders easily identifiable in the event of an emergency.

Two-time Tour de France winner Tadej Pogačar has already used an NFC system in a special-edition shoe from DMT, with the Italian brand now keen to expand the technology.

NFC is notably used in contactless debit cards, and it allows for the wireless transfer of data between compatible devices. An embedded chip can store personal and medical information, which could then be extracted by emergency services.

NFC chips do not require power to be read and anyone with a smartphone and the corresponding app would be able to extract the information from between one and four centimetres away from the chip.

• Read more: Bosch expands theft protection on smart e-bike systems

DMT has trialed this technology using an ICE (in case of emergency) key made using a product from Avery Dennison in its limited edition Pogi's Heart Beat shoe.

The brand is now evaluating feedback from users with a view to expanding this offering further across its product range. According to the RFID journal, product development is underway for shoes that will be released in July 2024.

"My goal is to continue collaboration with DMT for other products and modify the application by introducing new features,” said Roberto Simonelli, who developed the ICE key technology.

It was inspired by a motorcycle crash Simonelli suffered in 2008, that left him unresponsive for two days with no identification on him. This is not an isolated case, with a lot of cyclists and runners also heading out for training sessions without any identification on them.

This experience was enough for Simonelli to turn his attention to creating a neat solution that could solve this issue. Using an NFC chip, he was able to create a product that was small enough to embed into clothing or equipment.

The ICE key measures in at 20mm by 12mm and sits in a sealed pocket on the inside of the left shoe in DMT's product, with an NFC logo marking the location of the chip for scanning.

• Read more: Josh Tarling given custom kicks as he signs shoe deal with DMT

The use of this technology has the potential to expand beyond just emergency service use. The ability to have rider identification embedded in their kit could be a benefit at cycling events for athlete identification.

It is yet to be determined how this technology will progress within the cycling community. However any technology that has the potential to make riding safer as well as ensuring any specific care is given in the event of an emergency is certainly something that could benefit us all.

This technology is only just starting to be explored, it will be interesting to see over the coming years how other brands get involved with NFC tech.

What do you make of wearable ID? Do you think it is a good idea? Make sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments section.