The wearing of
bicycle helmet
A bicycle helmet is a type of helmet designed to attenuate impacts to the head of a cyclist in falls while minimizing side effects such as interference with peripheral vision. There is ongoing scientific research into the degree of protection ...
s and attitudes towards their use vary around the world. Compulsory use of helmets has often been discussed, and is disputed (see
Bicycle helmet laws
Some countries and lower jurisdictions have enacted laws or regulations which require cyclists to wear a Bicycle helmet, helmet in certain circumstances, typically when riding on the road or a road-related area (such as a bicycle lane or path). ...
). Only the four countries of Argentina, Cyprus, Australia, and New Zealand currently both require and enforce universal use of helmets by cyclists. In some other jurisdictions partial rules apply, such as only for children (e.g. in France), in certain states or sub-national divisions (e.g.
British Columbia
British Columbia (commonly abbreviated as BC) is the westernmost province of Canada, situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains. It has a diverse geography, with rugged landscapes that include rocky coastlines, sandy beaches, ...
in Canada), or under other limited conditions. Denmark and the Netherlands, while two of the countries with the strongest
cycling culture, do not compel and have some of the lowest levels of helmet use.
Legislation by country
Australia was the first country to enact mandatory bicycle helmet use for all cyclists.
[Curnow, W. J. "Bicycle Helmets: A Scientific Evaluation" in ] Mexico City has had mandatory cycle helmet laws repealed, and in Italy the Federazione Italiana Amici della Bicicletta managed to block a proposed helmet law.
While bicycle helmets are not required to be worn by law in the United Kingdom the
British Medical Association
The British Medical Association (BMA) is a registered trade union for doctors in the United Kingdom. The association does not regulate or certify doctors, a responsibility which lies with the General Medical Council. The association's headquar ...
advocates the compulsory use of helmets.
Cycling UK
Cycling UK is a trading name of the Cyclists' Touring Club (CTC), which is a charitable organization, charitable membership organisation supporting cyclists and promoting bicycle use. Cycling UK is registered at Companies House as "Cyclists’ ...
, the largest cycling advocacy organisation in the UK, consider helmet wearing as personal choice rather than being mandated by legislation.
In 2002 an attempt was made to introduce bicycle helmet legislation in Poland but it was opposed by cyclists' organisations.
See also
*
Outline of cycling
:''This article is an outline about the activity of cycling. For an outline about bicycles themselves, see outline of bicycles.''
:The following ''outline'' is provided as an overview of, as well as a topical guide to cycling:
Cycling, al ...
Notes
References
Further reading
*
External links
European Cyclists’ FederationBicycle Helmet Research Foundation
{{Cycling
laws by country
Bicycle law
Law by country