The Cycling Column: Bicycle helmets – save lives or like wearing a paper hat?

It’s always a contentious topic, bicycle helmet or not? There is so much data out there to bamboozle even the super intelligent amongst us. Several studies say helmets have saved lives, while others say you might as well be wearing a paper hat. So how beneficial is it to cover up?

Firstly, cyclists in the UK are not required by law to wear a helmet, which creates much animosity. As far back as 1988 research published in The Journal Of Product Liability refuted claims that growth in the use of helmets had reduced cycle-related injuries and death.

As a cyclist, I don’t object to helmets or to high-visibility clothing, I just don’t wear either. To be honest I am a hypocrite, regularly chastising my kids for not donning head wear. Spending most of my life on two wheels exposes me to daily dangers on the roads, yet an increasing number of pedallers believe that a lack of a helmet makes motorists more aware of the cyclist, consciously or sub-consciously. The key objection to making it compulsory is that it would act as a deterrent for those that already ride, or future cyclists. This is especially significant as we are becoming increasingly lethargic, and this lack of physical exercise is leading to an obesity epidemic, is this not a far greater Public Health concern, in comparison to a small amount of head injuries that might be mitigated by wearing a helmet?

Interestingly in the 1990s when helmet use in the U.S. went up, head injuries among cyclists skyrocketed by a whopping 51%. (NY Times) If helmets were so amazingly effective, we’d expect head injuries to go down, not up. Most of us have heard that “bicycle helmets can prevent up to 85% of head injuries”, and another study from 2015 found brain injuries are the cause of the majority of bicycle accident related deaths. These deaths could have been prevented with the help of a good bicycle helmet. When you wear your helmet, studies have shown you have reduced your risk of a serious brain injury by up to 88%
There is no right or wrong, whether you choose to wear a helmet or not, if it provides you with peace of mind for yourself and/or your loved ones, then of course don the headwear but please don’t judge those who prefer to pedal with their hair flowing in the wind, like me!