Bicycle helmet laws by country

Laws concerning the wearing of bicycle helmets vary around the world, (see Bicycle helmet laws). Five countries (Argentina, Cyprus, Australia, Namibia, and New Zealand) currently both require and enforce universal use of helmets by cyclists. Partial rules apply in some other jurisdictions, such as only for children (e.g. in France), in certain states or sub-national divisions (e.g. British Columbia in Canada), or under other limited conditions.

The effects of compulsory use of helmets are disputed.

History Australia was the first country to enact mandatory bicycle helmet use for all cyclists.Curnow, W. J. "Bicycle Helmets: A Scientific Evaluation" in Mexico City has had mandatory cycle helmet laws repealed, and in Italy the Federazione Italiana Amici della Bicicletta managed to block a proposed helmet law. Cycling UK, the largest cycling advocacy organisation in the UK, has opposed mandatory wearing of helmets on the grounds that it should be a personal choice. In 2002 an attempt was made to introduce bicycle helmet legislation in Poland but it was opposed by cyclists' organisations.

Legislation by country Bicycle helmet legislation CountryAge Last changeNotes All 2004 Mandatory. Fines are collected by the provinces. All 1990–92 Compulsory for all ages in public spaces except for those older than 17 in the Northern Territory that are not using car carriageways (e.g: footpaths, cycle paths, trails). 12 2011 None None 1997 Legislation on the use of bicycle helmets originates from provincial and territorial legislation. As a result, laws surrounding the use of bicycle helmets varies across the provinces and territories of Canada.

The use of bicycle helmets is compulsory in the provinces of British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. In the provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario, the use of helmets is mandatory for cyclists under the age of 18 years.

Use of a helmet is not mandatory in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Yukon. All 2009 Mandatory in urban zones and suggested in rural zones All201216 2011Mandatory for children below 16 only if riding on a road.All2022Mandatory for everyone. 18 2006 None 16 2011 None 2003 Not required, but recommended. 12 2017 Mandatory for children below 12 year old (passenger or driver), fines apply None None In 2009, Transport Secretary announced that government had no intention of introducing mandatory helmet law, based partly on "international views that a mandatory requirement may lead to a reduction in cycling activities." Required outside populated areas where the speed limit is greater than 50 km/h. 15 1998 Iceland has considered – but not pursued – extending its helmet law to adults. None Helmets recommended but not required. Recommendations vary by police departments. None NoneCyclists "should" wear helmets, but they are not compulsory. 18 2011 Starting from 2011, only applies under 18 years of age, in interurban ways and during sport events. None All 2023 Enacted in 2008, Article 63-11 of the Road Traffic Act requires that persons responsible for children under 13 must ensure that the children wear helmets. However, there is no penalty associated with this article. Starting April 1, 2023, all individuals must make a "duty of effort" to wear a helmet. There is no penalty for not wearing a helmet. 13 2014 Failure to comply with the Law could result in a fine being issued. 122014 10 2004Bicycles: Only under 10 year olds riding as passengers on an adult's bicycle are required to wear a helmet. None 2010 Mexico City repealed mandatory helmet laws in 2010. All All 1993 None None None 2021 No requirement nationwide, but some cities such as Quezon City have helmet mandate laws, with non-compliance punishable with fines. None None 2013 No requirement None 2014 No requirement (except for users of electric power-assisted bicycles with more than 250W engine or electric powered speed excess 25 km/h) All2018 Since 2018, all cyclists (power-assisted or not) must wear a helmet. 15 Only cyclists under 15 years of age (no fines apply) 15 2000 All 2004 Compulsory for all cyclists but in practice the law is not enforced. No fine had been agreed. 13 2006 All (interurban roads) / 16 (urban areas) 2015 In urban areas helmet is only required for under 16 years old riders (Art. 47 of "Ley sobre Tráfico, Circulación de Vehículos a Motor y Seguridad Vial")

The city of Mollet del Vallès in Catalonia has voted and approved in 2020 mandatory helmet to ride a bicycle for anyone of any age on local bylaw, quote of Art. 18 "Those who ride a bicycle on urban streets in Mollet del Vallès will have to use a helmet, whether they are older than legal age or minor." 15 2005 No penalty for children cycling alone who do not obey the law. Also applies to Segway use. None All2013Mandatory helmet policy was enacted by the National Assembly of Togo, since 1975 but the enforcement by the National Police only started in Jun 2013 upon enactment of a new road code. All 2010Dubai None None None2015

Bicycle helmet laws by country

Bron en licentie