Cycle Helmets – What Does the Law Say? How Effective Are They?
British law does not require cycle helmets to be worn on the roads. Currently, wearing a helmet is deemed to be a personal choice rather than compulsory by legislation.
It is generally viewed that cyclists are one of the most at-risk commuters on the road. Injuries resulting from cycling accidents range from minor knocks to severe head and/or spinal injuries which can be life changing.
According to figures released by the Department for Transport, a total of 102 cyclists died on Britain’s roads in 2016 and 3,397 were seriously injured.
The research on the effectiveness of cycle helmets, to date, has been unclear. There have even been suggestions that cycle helmets could do more harm than good.
Cycle helmets are designed to withstand minor knocks and falls but not serious road traffic collisions. Some evidence suggests they may in fact increase the risk of cyclists having falls or collisions, or suffering neck injuries.
Some cycling organisations argue making helmets a legal requirement is ineffective as a safety measure.
A 2015 study by the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia found there is no link between compulsory bicycle helmets and head injuries.
Instead of focusing on helmets, perhaps we should be focusing more on educating cyclists and other road users about safe road use.
It has in the last 6 months been suggested that compulsory helmets for cyclists may be brought in following a government review on bike safety.
Speaking at the Cycling + Walking Innovations 2017 conference, Transport Minister Jesse Norman said there would be a “wider and more embracing look at how safety can be improved for cyclists and other road users in relation to cycling”.
“That could be infrastructure, education, signage and other things which could contribute to a successful and effective transition to a world in which walking and cycling are enormous,” he said.
The Government consultation aims to look at creating a new offence equivalent to causing death or serious injury by careless or dangerous driving to help protect the cyclists. It will also make a wider review on road safety issues related to cycling including the rules of the road, public awareness, signage for road users and safety risks, including whether helmets should be compulsory.
If you were involved in an accident whilst cycling and would like to speak to our personal injury specialist then please call us on 0800 011 6666 or email us at
legal@timms-law.com.Natasha Layton
June 2018
