A sports safety app for cycling, running, motorcycling and skating has seen an almost 900% increase in global downloads in a matter of weeks.
The Liverpool-based team behind smartphone app Busby says the 870% rise has come since the start of the third national UK lockdown.
The innovative app, developed by friends Barry Green, James Duffy and Kirk Ryan, started out to make bike rides safer for solo cyclists with sensor technology that senses a potential crash or other unusual movement.
It has since grown in international popularity with enthusiasts for other sports including running, motorcycling and skating.
It was founded after cyclist Barry was involved in an accident in Liverpool in which he was almost killed.
Speaking about the success, Kirk said: "It is clear that people are taking up more outdoor activities such as cycling and running since the beginning of the year.
"The lockdown has resulted in people looking for new outdoor hobbies and we're also benefiting from people who've taken up sports as part of New Year resolutions. We're up about 870% compared to this time last year.
"The popularity of the app is growing all over the world and we've also started to partner with a number of businesses who provide sports equipment such as bikes.
"It is a vital piece of kit for anyone who wants to stay safe while out enjoying their favourite sports. It is free to download. It helps people stay safe especially in winter conditions."
Busby senses unusual movement and starts a countdown after which it will send a text to emergency contacts if it is not deactivated.
If a user has an incident ‘Busby’ will send their precise location to their emergency contacts anywhere in the world.
Kirk said Busby is now planning to announce further partnerships with a number of new sports brands later this year.
