Bike helmet, to wear or not to wear - international differences

The wearing of head protection when bike riding, and the attitudes for or against it, vary heavily from one jurisdiction to another. The cycling culture of some countries dictates free-flowing hairdos unimpeded by a hard shell, while in other countries, the law makes sure just about everyone wears a helmet when riding.

It's becoming clear though, that in places where the urban cycling is on the increase, more and more riders choose to protect their heads with some form of helmet.

Initially, cycle helmets where only used by competitive racing cyclists, and the design of today's cycle helmet is a remnant of the style used for high speed racing. The wearing of helmets for every day riding is a trend that first started in the US in the 1970s. Since then, the use has gradually spread, but its popularity varies significantly across the world. In some countries, the wearing of a helmet by children is an absolute given, while many adults still choose to not protect their heads. In countries like Australia, where the omission of a helmet while riding will earn you a fine, the law is frequently debated, with strong opinions in both camps.

These are some of the places where the wearing of a bike helmet is dictated by law:

The first country in the world to introduce a bike helmet law was Australia in 1990. New Zealand followed suit in 1994.

It is also unlawful in Finland to ride without a helmet, but it isn't a punishable offence.

Sweden's law mandates that all riders under the age of 15 must wear a helmet, also when they are passengers on a two-wheel bike. Nevertheless, it is not a punishable offence to not wear a helmet while riding if you are under 15, but if a person over the age of 15 gives a ride to a child, he or she can be fined if the child is not wearing a helmet.

Spain introduced mandatory wearing of bike helmets while riding on roads and highways, except for when you ride on long uphill roads, if it's a very hot day, or if you have medical reasons to not wear a helmet.

The Czech Republic introduced a law in 2005, making it compulsory for everyone under 18 to wear a helmet when cycling.

In Canada, some states have introduced bike helmet laws gradually since 1995 onwards, primarily for youth and children, but in British Columbia also for adults.

A bike helmet law was introduced in Mexico City, but it was revoked a year later. The law was deemed inhibiting to The City Government's ambition to increase bike riding in urban areas.

In 2011, also Israel eased up on their helmet laws. It was decided to let adults ride without helmet in urban areas, with the hope of attracting more people to this form of transport in the cities.

There are many more examples of countries that have introduced laws governing the use of bike helmets, but amongst bike riders, there are two discernible camps. You will find those who are skeptical towards having laws dictating helmet wearing, as they fear this may lead to fewer people wanting to ride bikes. On the other hand, there are people who support such laws, as the helmets reduce the severity of injuries on impact, leading to a reduction in suffering as well as financial strain on society due to the reduced need for medical care and costly rehabilitation.

You don't need any laws to realise that an airbag for cyclists, or any type of helmet, can help reduce serious brain injuries. The moment an uncovered head hits the ground, it can be too late. You can't put the brain in a plaster!