Every now and then I find myself in a heated debate about cycle helmets. Recently I was shouted at in a park by a woman with a dog on the loose, asking where my helmet was. In these situations, it is often a person who hardly cycles who keeps pushing in inteligencia artificial fotos an aggressive way that it should be law that every cyclist must wear a helmet. Sorry, but I don't agree. What frustrates me is that helmet fanatics hardly ever have the peace and patience to listen to arguments against helmets. I felt it was time to bring these arguments across in a blog article and I apologise it is going to be a wordy one. There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding this topic that need to be addressed.
To start, I would like to focus on the feeling of fear many people in Britain have about cycling. People have a feeling cycling is dangerous, so where does that sense of danger come from? Is cycling in itself dangerous? Not really; once people are able to keep their balance, have full control of the bike, have taken in some regular mileage and keep an eye on the roadworthiness of their bike, it is unlikely they will ever fall off the bike just like that. In the unlikely event this would happen, people will generally brake their fall with their arms and hands. Wrists, arm, elbow injuries or light scratches are the most common injuries in these situations, rather than head injuries. So, for the activity of cycling in itself, helmets would only increase safety in the extremely unlikely event of a person falling of the bike and hitting something with the head. I'll come back to this topic later in this article.
Let's first return to the sense of danger. As recent DfT-research shows, 61% of people find it is "too dangerous to cycle on the road". Many like to dwell in the statement that roads are dangerous, so let's dig a bit deeper. Is a strip of tarmac in itself dangerous (whatever the lay out) or are the things people do on these strips dangerous? You'll have to admit it is the things that people do what causes the dangers, not the strip of tarmac in itself. People always take some sort of risks when they are on the move, even when walking. Once in charge of an incredible powerful set of horsepower under their bums, people taking risks can have fatal consequences though, not only for themselves, but also for others. We all know what I am talking about here. It is not the roads, it is not the cycling; no, most accidents are caused because people just drive their cars too fast. This is where the danger is coming from!
Generally, speed limits in Britain are far too generous, not doing justice to general limited road widths, limited visibility and potential use by other users other than motorised traffic. On top of that, it seems socially accepted to drive faster then these generous speed limits, as a recent RAC survey shows. 83% of respondents in this survey admitted to break speed limits regularly and 92% of respondents regarded themselves as law abiding! This probably also explains why cycle helmet fanatics are never prepared to fully listen to arguments against cycle helmets, as it confronts them with their own shortcomings as a driver in an inconvenient way. I don’t even talk here about the fact that many drivers overtake cyclists too close ("pushing through overtaking in the same lane"), a common hazardous practice which is not fully recognised as careless driving by law, whilst it should.
It is clear that the problem of speeding and careless driving should be approached at its origins, rather then saddling up cyclists with the after effects by making them to wear helmets. To take up cycling in Britain, people have to overcome enormous barriers. It is written in invisible capitals everywhere that you should drive, rather than riding a bike. Many public facilities are only accessible by travelling through large car dominated pits of tarmac, with inferior bike parking facilities hidden well away from the main entrance. Road lay outs are generally based on designs from the 1950s and visually confirm that roads are built for cars only. People talk about travel distances in hours of driving time only and "only a 2 hour drive" is regarded as a short journey these days.
My example above and more reflections of this kind just show how mentally dedicated you must be to engage in cycling in England. The last thing needed is the creation of an extra barrier to take up cycling. It is a well-known fact that helmets just put people off cycling. The helmet law in Australia made numbers of people participation in cycling drop by a third. In parts of Canada, 40% of people participating in cycling stopped riding their bikes after the introduction of the helmet law. On the other end of the spectrum it is proven that by creating proper cycling infrastructure people will start cycling because it is safe, so why just not do that? Proof of this approach is delivered on a massive scale, every day, only 120 miles east from the UK, across the North Sea in The Netherlands.
Proper cycling infrastructure in The Netherlands perfectly addresses the fact that speeding and reckless driving is at the cause of most accidents, so cyclist are taken away from high speeds and reckless drivers by segregated cycle paths along busier roads. Where roads are quieter and shared, strongly enforced speed limits, speed bumps which only affect drivers (not cyclists) and visual forced "share the road" layouts ensure drivers just don't have the option to behave irresponsible when in the vicinity of cyclists. Therefore, Dutch people love cycling. It is fun, safe and convenient, even in Netherland's seriously hilly areas around the cities of Nijmegen and Maastricht. You can check it out for yourself with my guidebook featuring Netherlands' very best routes. In The Netherlands 50% of children cycle to school (see diagram) and, indeed, hardly anyone wears a helmet!
So, back to Britain; do cycle helmets actually improve the safety of cyclists? Eh, no. The latest figures show a rise in road deaths and serious injuries amongst cyclists. Inconveniently for the helmet lobby, most of recent London casualties were wearing helmets and it is obviously clear this didn't protect these unfortunate cyclists of being mowed over by a lorry, bus, car or whatever. It shows painfully how cycling amongst large motorised traffic flows is not desirable, again raising the case for consistent segregated space for cyclists along such roads, like in The Netherlands.
As helmets didn’t save the lives of these unfortunate London cyclists, it is time now to dig deeper in what cycle helmets actually do. There is an increasing amount of research being done into the wearing of helmets and their usefulness in reducing serious head injuries. Most of this research is commissioned by cycle helmet manufacturers who clearly have a financial interest in promoting the wearing and even legislation relating to wearing of cycle helmets. A lot of this research is freely available on the internet and when browsing through the findings two facts keep popping up. In the first place that cycle helmets are just not very strong and in the second place that the design of cycle helmets is a compromise.
The development of helmets for cycling came out of the development in the use of foam as a shock absorber in motorcycle helmets in the 1970s. The intention was to decelerate the skull (and therefore also the brain) more gently. However, the hard shell of motorcycle helmets proved to be unsuitable for physical activities such as cycling, as body temperature is regulated through the head. So, for cycle helmets, the heavy outer shell was removed with air vents cut into the remaining foam. In attempts to reduce the feeling of discomfort associated with the wearing of helmets (a likely important cause of reduced cycling participation after introduction of helmet laws), the volume of polystyrene foam has further decreased over the years, making the cycle helmet just not really effective in protecting the skull.
A typical today's cycle helmet will only protect a skull fully on impacts with speeds of 12 miles per hour or less, making it only a good tool for those who are just learning how to ride and to keep their balance, especially young children. Any other riders with a good level of balance and control skills and cycling at a reasonable speed should question the protection value of their helmet. If experiencing an impact over 12 miles per hour (very likely in a collision with a motorised vehicle), this protection value will be very minimal indeed! So, in summary, a cycle helmet is an inferior product which will hardly provide the safety it is associated with. Cycle helmets are a "side produce" of five decades of unprecedented priority for motoring, a policy which takes its toll on society and planet in many ways day after day.
As part of this, it is not a surprise that the slogan "be safe, wear a helmet" is well settled into society, due to relentless efforts by government bodies and cycle helmet manufacturers. These efforts have created an incorrect image, which gets happily copied and pasted by health and safety officials and legal departments all over the country. The lie spreads further continuously; affecting people's brains seriously all around and reinforcing the "motorised way of thinking" as a result of five decades of unlimited motoring. This has resulted in a dangerous false sense of security amongst cycle helmet users. People think they are safe by wearing a helmet, but they aren’t. For example, if you cycle down a hill at 30 mph whilst wearing a helmet you might have the feeling of being safe, but if you don't take conditions around you into account in your cycling style (and speed!); risks of a fatal accident will be high. A helmet won't save you. On this occasion, again, speed, would be likely the cause of the accident, but now created by the cyclist him or herself; ouch!
There is also evidence that drivers will overtake a cyclist in more hazardous ways when he/she is wearing a helmet, more so than when the cyclist is not wearing a helmet. The helmet makes the cyclist look like a secured object, rather than a human being. There is another contra dictionary psychological aspect though. When seeing a person cycling with a helmet you could also conclude that this person will fall of his/her bike at some stage in the future, hopefully narrowly escaping a serious head injury (the reason to wear the helmet). Thinking in this way, seeing someone riding a bike with a helmet could confirm again the common thought that cycling is dangerous, a misconception we should get try to get rid of in the first place. To get people cycling, you need to see happy smiles on bikes, free from wearing helmets. To me, it makes much more sense to try to avoid accidents to happen, rather then making a poor attempt to try to reduce the impact of the accident.
It is expected though it will take a long time to free Britain's roads from speeding and reckless driving and to get rid of "the big lie", so what can you do now to make yourself safe on your bike? Well, do as I do. Become a campaigner for improved cycle facilities. If you don't step up to force this change in this car dominated society, who would? Authorities will only change their way by public demand, just as this happened in The Netherlands in the 1970s, with amazing results in cycling uptake (see picture left). I believe it is possible to create good local cycle networks in Britain against a reasonably low price, so long as a systematic long-term approach is chosen. I recently did this with a report for the town of Totnes in Devon. Unfortunately, this report is still being digested by council officals and councillors and it will take some time to see the results of such a systematic approach.
Meanwhile, to be safe and happy as a cyclist in the UK, I avoid busier main roads as much as possible. I try only to cycle on more quiet back roads and streets where I can take control of the situation as a cyclist. In my new guidebook London-Land's End by bicycle I put these principles into an art of its own right, providing you with a 1000 km long continuous traffic-calmed route, even crossing Central London; a spectacular guarantee to happy cycling!
Remember it is still important to know how you can control traffic flows as a cyclist and how to recognise and deal with hazards on the road. A Bikeability session with an accredited National Standard instructor can help to gain confidence on this matter and will get your knowledge up to the latest safety theory. It is how and where you cycle that makes you safe, not what you are wearing! Many authorities provide free or subsidised adult training; browse the internet to find out about adult cycle training in your area. Don't be offended if your Bikeability instructor makes you wear a helmet. Being an instructor myself, it is likely I would do the same. Remember an instructor won't know you and the likelihood of a learning cyclist falling off a bike must be taken into account when being a professional. In a country with a growing obsession for liabilities, instructors and their employers just don’t want to be held responsible for an accident with a head injury!
In the end, to helmet or not, it is all your own choice and responsibility. It is important though to be aware of all issues above, so you are able to come to your own conclusions, based on facts rather than on common belief. This brings me to the only right conclusion for this article, on which I feel free to quote some combined statements by the European Cyclist's Federation ECF. "I am not opposed to the wearing of bicycle helmets, but firmly believe this should be a decision for every individual cyclist. The countries with the highest level of cycle use and the lowest risks per kilometer cycled have chosen to create safer road conditions rather than promote the wearing of helmets." So, make from it what you want and please make your own conclusions and decisions. Meanwhile, I'll only wear a helmet if this is professionally required; otherwise, I am proud to be Dutch; full stop!
Another entertaining typical Dutch view on helmets can be found in the Dutch-language book "The Red Kangaroo" by Dutch cycling travel writer Frank van Rijn:
While cycling on the empty New England Highway to Grafton, a police car slows down next to me to remind me I have been breaking the law for over 1800 miles. "Where is your helmet?" the police officer asks me. "My helmet?" "Yes, your helmet?" "I don't have a helmet." I manage to say this with full innocence on my face. I can be a pretty good actor. "In that case you are breaking the law, helmets are compulsory in New South Wales." "Compulsory, really? There were no signs to tell me when I cycled across the state line and nobody told me." "It is compulsory in the whole of Australia". "Oh, nobody informed me when I arrived at Melbourne Airport." "It is the law, here, look!"
The policeman gets a book from his glove box and is trying to find the relevant page. I wave it away and answer "If you tell me it is the law, I believe you of course. You don't need to show me. I am just surprised , because I have cycled across 86 countries and in none there was a helmet law." The officer shows me the page. "Fine for cycling without a helmet $ 38." "You are right," I obey. "How can we solve this problem? Are there helmets for sale here?" "Yes, there is a bike shop in Armidale, but it is closed today." "How inconvenient; is there a bike shop in Grafton?" "Multiple." "And they sell helmets there?" "Absolutely." "Well, I better head there then, but that is another 115 miles without a helmet." "That is up to you, but you may be fined." "Do I have another choice?" Well, you also risk to be driven off the road by a car." "Well, with a helmet, I can also be driven off the road by a car. I survived Mexico and Brazil without a helmet. I think I will survive this highway to Grafton too."
The policeman accepts my story completely and all I told him is true. I am impressed with my performance. Sometimes you have to play the silly man. You ought to sometimes. I came to Australia to see the country in a pleasant way (by bike!) and I am not going to cycle 7000 miles with a wobbly, muggy piece of plastic on my head and an irritating strap under my chin. I am not harming anyone if I ride without a helmet. Authorities should stop behaving as a better knowing daddy towards grown ups. Before you know I am not allowed to walk outside without a coat if it is cold or cycle more than 60 miles a day, because somebody died in the process somewhere in the world.
People in this country are not used to cycling. I cycled over 1800 miles from Melbourne so far and I can count the total number of people I spotted cycling on my ten fingers. Some of them were toddlers and it was entertaining to watch them cycling on the pavement while the helmet was gradually sinking over their eyes and blocking their view. I was also amused by two grannies on racing bikes on a cycle path. Their speed was not exceeding five miles per hour. Of course they were wearing big bright coloured helmets and I was glad for them. At such breath-taking speeds, chances you'll fall off are pretty high.
"De Rode Kangeroe", pages 52-57, translated from Dutch, Elmar Publishing, Rijswijk, The Netherlands, 1997. Buy the only E-book by Frank van Rijn in English via this webpage.
Some comments from readers on the "Cycling Dutchman on helmets" blog article (email address known to the author of this page):
While cycling on the empty New England Highway to Grafton, a police car slows down next to me to remind me I have been breaking the law for over 1800 miles. "Where is your helmet?" the police officer asks me. "My helmet?" "Yes, your helmet?" "I don't have a helmet." I manage to say this with full innocence on my face. I can be a pretty good actor. "In that case you are breaking the law, helmets are compulsory in New South Wales." "Compulsory, really? There were no signs to tell me when I cycled across the state line and nobody told me." "It is compulsory in the whole of Australia". "Oh, nobody informed me when I arrived at Melbourne Airport." "It is the law, here, look!"
The policeman gets a book from his glove box and is trying to find the relevant page. I wave it away and answer "If you tell me it is the law, I believe you of course. You don't need to show me. I am just surprised , because I have cycled across 86 countries and in none there was a helmet law." The officer shows me the page. "Fine for cycling without a helmet $ 38." "You are right," I obey. "How can we solve this problem? Are there helmets for sale here?" "Yes, there is a bike shop in Armidale, but it is closed today." "How inconvenient; is there a bike shop in Grafton?" "Multiple." "And they sell helmets there?" "Absolutely." "Well, I better head there then, but that is another 115 miles without a helmet." "That is up to you, but you may be fined." "Do I have another choice?" Well, you also risk to be driven off the road by a car." "Well, with a helmet, I can also be driven off the road by a car. I survived Mexico and Brazil without a helmet. I think I will survive this highway to Grafton too."
"De Rode Kangeroe", pages 52-57, translated from Dutch, Elmar Publishing, Rijswijk, The Netherlands, 1997. Buy the only E-book by Frank van Rijn in English via this webpage.
Some comments from readers on the "Cycling Dutchman on helmets" blog article (email address known to the author of this page):
Dear Eric,
A great campaign against the helmet lobby. Thank you.
Theo Zeegers
Consultant Dutch Cyclist's Union (Fietsersbond)
www.fietsersbond.nl
Hi Eric
A great campaign against the helmet lobby. Thank you.
Theo Zeegers
Consultant Dutch Cyclist's Union (Fietsersbond)
www.fietsersbond.nl
Hi Eric
This is brilliant! Only the other day I was trying to explain to someone why I don't wear a helmet - there are so many reasons! Now I can just refer people to your blog (which I always enjoy reading anyway).
Best wishes
Emma
Hi Eric
I read your blog post on the cycle helmet debate with interest. I agree that wide ranging improvements to the cycling infrastructure is the way to go (as in the Netherlands) and not hand the problem back to the poor cyclist. The problem lies, as you point out, with the motorist, motorist mentality, and outdated road layouts. As a ship gives way to sail, a huge lump of metal weighing hundreds of kilogrammes powered by an engine travelling at speed, should give way to the far more vulnerable cyclist. More consideration is given to a horse and rider than a cyclist. Okay, a bicycle isn't temperamental in itself, but forced in to the gutter (as cyclists usually are) the driver assumes that's where they belong, and often don't allow the extra space needed in case the cyclist suddenly needs to pull out to avoid one of the many booby traps that lurk at the roadside. But as we've mentioned before, the motorist mentality is deeply ingrained in our culture. I was unaware that it has become law to wear a helmet both in Australia, and in Canada. We'll have to keep an eye on things in America, because if they introduce it, we do doubt will follow in due course (as usual). Keep up the good work
Best regards
Rob
Hi Eric,
I like your article. I am a Dutch national living in the dolomites in Italy. Here everyone wears a helmet. I don't have one as I am Dutch, so the idea of wearing one on the bike is similar to wearing one in the car. However, the speed with which one comes down the mountain, perhaps makes it more safer. Does your theory for the -not wearing a helmet- also apply in the mountains? Or should I go and buy one and be 'in sinc' with the Italians? Best regards from the Dolomites
Esther
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Other popular blog articles by Bicycleandtour.com:
Explaining Dutch cycling infrastructure:
Cycle paths and cycle lanes; the full story!
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From Bristol into the Somerset Levels
Devon Coast to Coast
An international cycling holiday with toddlers
