STUDENTS have developed a “smart helmet” in an effort to make cyclists feel safe.

The “DialUrSelf” cycle helmet which will notify emergency services when a heavy impact is detected, was developed by students at Sir George Monoux College in Chingford Road, Walthamstow.

The hi-vis helmet features sensors that pick up a GPS location which will be passed to the emergency services in the event of a crash.

Mohammed Nasir, one of the developers, said: “They are making a ‘Mini Holland’, putting blocks in the road to make cycling safer, but lots of people I’ve spoken to still say that they wouldn’t cycle in London because it isn’t safe.

“We wanted to create something which will give people a bit more confidence and reassurance about their safety.

“There’s nothing like this on the market and we’re hoping to take this forward as a product.”

The invention is one of many that have been entered for the UK’s largest enterprise competition, The Big Idea Challenge.

The competition which is run by London Metropolitan University will see finalists in with a chance of winning the People’s Choice Awards and £30,000 worth of investment.

Students at Norlington College in Norlington Road, Leyton, developed a neighbourhood social media app for Waltham Forest residents.

One of the developers Zain Hussain, said: “Our app, Neighbourhood Social Platform, is trying to tackle the problem of urban isolation. It will build trust within the community.

“It acts as a virtual bulletin board that people will be able to get on their phone or mobile device. To access it, you’d have to show proof of address to a dedicated staff member who looks after your area.”