Cyclist's Narrow Escape: Kite String Slices Through Helmet in Chengdu

The cyclist, Mr. Huang, was riding along the greenway near Qinglong Lake Park when he encountered a kite string suspended in the air. Despite wearing a helmet, which significantly reduced the severity of his injuries, Mr. Huang was thrown off his bicycle, suffering minor abrasions and some head pain due to the force of the impact. The helmet, however, was severely damaged, with the kite string cutting a gash over 10 cm into it. Mr. Huang had noticed a string hanging in the air and had warned other cyclists to be careful, but before he could react, the kite string had already cut through his helmet, causing him to fall to the ground. He later stated, "幸好戴了头盔，不然割到的就是头了," which translates to "Fortunately, I was wearing a helmet, otherwise it would have cut my head."

The incident has led to calls for greater safety measures and stricter enforcement of regulations regarding kite flying in areas where they could pose a risk to cyclists and other users of public spaces. The safety of cyclists and other path users is a pressing concern, particularly in areas where recreational activities like kite flying are common. While kites can be a harmless and enjoyable pastime, the dangers posed by their strings, especially when they are loaded with tension from being flown high, should not be underestimated. Experiments have been conducted to demonstrate the strength of kite strings, using objects such as cucumbers, apples, and carrots to show their "killing power." The results are alarming, with the strings able to cut through these objects with ease.

Netizens have been sharing videos and posts warning of the potential dangers of kite strings, emphasizing the need for caution when flying kites or navigating outdoor spaces. The consensus is clear: when flying kites, it is crucial to choose open areas, be mindful of people and objects, and exercise caution when outdoors to avoid accidents and protect oneself from the potential hazards posed by kite strings. To prevent similar incidents from occurring, cyclists are advised to slow down when passing through areas where kites are being flown. Meanwhile, kite flyers are urged to choose locations that are at least 200 meters away from roads and to reel in their kites when strong winds are forecasted.

The incident has sparked a lively discussion among netizens, with many users expressing their astonishment at the power of kite strings and emphasizing the need for caution when flying kites or navigating outdoor spaces. Some have shared their own experiences of close calls with kite strings, while others have highlighted the importance of safety measures, such as wearing helmets and being aware of one's surroundings. The material used to make kite strings, such as carbon fiber and Kevlar, is strong and can be difficult to detect, making them even more hazardous. As a result, there have been calls for increased awareness and education about the dangers of kite strings, as well as stricter regulations and enforcement to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. By working together and taking these simple precautions, we can prevent accidents and ensure that everyone can enjoy the outdoors safely.