Is a bicycle helmet mandatory and more frequently asked questions about bicycle helmets
Most Dutch people do not consider it necessary to wear a bicycle helmet. After all, we learn to cycle well at an early age. Moreover, there is a safe cycling infrastructure in the Netherlands. However, in some cases it is wise or even mandatory to wear a helmet. In the FAQ below you will find all the information you need to make the right choice.
No. And despite the increased number of accidents among cyclists, it is unlikely that this obligation will be introduced in the short term. Commissioned by, among others, the ANWB and the Cyclists' Union, the Iu0026O Research agency has conducted research into the support base for using a bicycle helmet. This showed that many Dutch people would like to cycle less or even not at all if they are legally required to wear a helmet. A compulsory helmet would therefore have a number of undesirable effects. Firstly, fewer people cycle to work (i.e. sustainably). Secondly, some cyclists get less or no exercise anymore. Finally, according to Veilig Verkeer Nederland, a decrease in the number of cyclists would lead to a lower budget for our cycling infrastructure. As a result, cycling becomes less safe.
Yet some people do indeed argue for compulsory helmet use. According to research According to the Foundation for Scientific Research on Road Safety (SWOV), with a bicycle helmet you have about 65% less chance of brain damage in the event of an accident. Although not mandatory, it is advisable to wear a helmet. For cyclists and mountain bikers this is a no-brainer: the vast majority of them wear a helmet these days.
Only if you ride a fast e-bike, the so-called speed pedelec that goes faster than 25 km/h. It is mandatory to wear a special pedelec helmet. This is slightly more robust (and heavier) than the regular bicycle helmet and therefore provides better protection for the temples and neck. Helmets are not yet mandatory for other electric bicycles.
In France and Italy, a bicycle helmet is mandatory for children up to 12 years old. The same applies to Austria, even if children sit on the back of the bicycle. In the Lower Austria region, helmets are compulsory up to the age of 15, even if a child is driving on a non-public road.
In Sweden, helmets are compulsory for children up to the age of 15.
In Croatia and Iceland, children up to the age of 16 must wear a bicycle helmet. Helmets are also mandatory in Spain for children up to the age of 16. In addition, every cyclist here must wear a helmet when riding outside built-up areas.
In the Czech Republic, helmets are mandatory for children up to the age of 18.
In Slovenia, cyclists must wear a bicycle helmet until the age of nineteen. This also applies when you are sitting on a bicycle as a passenger.
In Switzerland, it is not your age, but your speed that is decisive: every cyclist who rides faster than 20 km/h must wear a helmet.
Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Great Britain, Ireland, Poland, Portugal, Greece and Turkey do not require helmets for cyclists. Neither does Hungary, unless you drive faster than 40 km/h outside built-up areas.
In Finland, everyone is legally required to wear a bicycle helmet that complies with the European standard EN 1078 and has a CE mark.
Abroad, too, a distinction is made between speed pedelecs and slower electric bicycles. In almost all European countries the speed pedelec is considered a moped. You are therefore obliged to wear a moped helmet on this means of transport! In Belgium, Germany, Denmark and Switzerland it is sufficient to use the special pedelec helmet on a speed pedelec. Please note: this is required by law!
For slower electric bicycles than the speed pedelec, it is only in Portugal and Turkey that it is mandatory to wear at least a regular bicycle helmet.
Only buy bicycle helmets that have a CE mark. This guarantees that the helmet complies with EN 1078, a European quality standard. A helmet with CE marking is safe, regardless of the price. More expensive brands usually offer more wearing comfort and adjustment options.
A separate CE marking applies to children's helmets: EN 1080. This standard guarantees that the chin strap comes loose relatively easily when a certain pressure is exerted on it. To increase your child's visibility (and therefore safety) in traffic, you can opt for a brightly colored helmet.
A separate safety standard also applies to pedelec helmets: NTA 8776.
MIPS is the abbreviation for Multi-directional Impact Protection System: a safety system that consists of a protective layer on the inside of a bicycle helmet. This layer rotates slightly when the bicycle helmet makes contact with the ground due to a fall. This keeps your head moving and the shock is slightly dampened. MIPS was developed by brain specialists. According to them, it reduces the risk of brain damage.
MIPS has now been further developed into MIPS Spherical. In addition, a number of brands have developed their own safety systems under names such as KinetiCore, WaveCel and SPIN. What all these systems have in common with MIPS is that they ensure that the inside of a helmet rotates in the event of a blow to the head.
The size of a bicycle helmet is based on the head circumference in centimeters. It is therefore advisable to first measure your head circumference using a measuring tape. Choose the point with the largest circumference. This is located on your forehead, about 2.5 centimeters above your eyebrows.
Do you buy a bicycle helmet in the store? Please feel free to ask if you can try on some copies. Do you prefer to order online? Then check whether the helmet is the correct size. Please note: some manufacturers do not state the precise circumference in centimeters, but divide the sizes into letter codes ranging from XS to XL. Check which head circumference corresponds to this, because this may differ per manufacturer!
A helmet should always fit snugly on your head, even if you have not yet put on the chin strap. For most people, the helmet fits well if the front reaches just above the eyebrows. As a test, turn your head in all directions. Does your helmet stay in the same place? Then you have found the right fit. Please note: not every bicycle helmet has a separate adjustment option. The chin strap should be tight, but not chafe or feel uncomfortable. Do you have glasses? Always try on the helmet with your glasses on!
The same applies to children as to adults: the size of the helmet must correspond to the head circumference in centimeters. It is best to measure this circumference for children about 2 cm above the eyebrows. Take the well-known growth spurt into account. A helmet that fit a month ago may suddenly be too small. Buy a size-adjustable helmet or regularly check whether the helmet still fits properly. And ask your child if the helmet still fits comfortably. Before your child starts cycling, always check whether the strap of his or her helmet is properly fitted.
If you don't fall, a bicycle helmet will generally last about 3 to 5 years. The basic material of most helmets is made of Styrofoam, or expanded polystyrene (EPS). UV radiation and sweat gradually damage the EPS, so that its shock-absorbing capacity decreases over time. Do not leave your helmet in the sun. When storing it, it is better not to put it in a bag or box, but in a place where perspiration can evaporate properly. To extend the life of your helmet, it is best to clean it with a damp cloth. Do not use cleaning products, as these will also damage the Styrofoam.
It is strongly recommended to replace a helmet after 5 years, even if you see no trace of damage or wear. Have you had a fall or has your helmet had to absorb a shock for some other reason? Then replace it immediately! Even if the helmet looks good on the outside, the interior may still be damaged without you noticing.
Are you going to purchase another helmet? Always buy a new one! After all, you don't know how old a second-hand copy is or whether it has already absorbed a significant shock.
The price of a helmet varies per store, per brand and per type of helmet. Children's helmets cost 10 to 300 euros. For a racing bike helmet you pay between 25 to 200 euros, for a city bike helmet 20 to 230 euros. For mountain bike helmets the price is between 15 and 500 euros. A pedelec helmet costs between 100 and 200 euros.
A bicycle helmet does not make you invulnerable. It remains important to pay close attention, to observe the traffic rules, to avoid unnecessary risks and to adapt to the weather conditions. Would you like to enjoy cycling even more? Then check out the following blogs.
The number 1 tire pump for bicycles
The Donrox Ride F511 is ideal for inflating the tires of your bicycle without effort. This compressor fits on different types of valves and stops automatically at the desired air pressure. It is compact, portable and equipped with a pressure gauge and USB rechargeable power bank. You can use it at home, but also on the go. This way you are flexible enough to adjust the air pressure in your tires to the surface you are cycling on.
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