Dutch launch 'intelligent bicycle'

Dutch researchers have developed a bicycle they say will help reduce accidents, which are particularly high among cyclists aged over 65.

Dutch researchers have developed a bicycle they say will help reduce accidents among the elderly. (AAP)

The Netherlands has launched its first-ever "intelligent bicycle", fitted with an array of electronic devices to help bring down the high accident rate among elderly cyclists in the bicycle-mad country.

The prototype bicycle runs on electricity, and sports a forward-looking radar mounted below the handlebars and a camera in the rear mudguard.

It was developed for the government by the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO).

A commercially available bicycle is expected to be on the market within two years and should sell for between 1,700 euros ($A2,550) to 3,200 euros.

The forward and rearward detection devices on the test bike are linked through an onboard computer with a vibrating warning system installed in the bicycle's saddle and handlebars to alert cyclists to impending danger.

The saddle vibrates when other cyclists approach from behind, while the handlebars do the same when obstacles appear ahead.

It also has a cradle into which a computer tablet can be inserted, to wirelessly connect and "talk" to the bicycle through a dedicated application.

The mounted tablet also flashes a bright signal if there is an approaching obstacle in the bicycle's path, like a lamppost, or if another cyclist comes up from behind intending to pass.

In the Netherlands, bicycles outnumber the population of 17 million by at least one million and there are some 25,000 kilometres of bicycle path.

Last year, 184 cyclists died in the country, of whom 124, or 67 per cent, were older than 65.