In Ontario, where I live, we have had a helmet law since 1995. However, in a classic waffling move by the government of the day, it only applies to people under the age of 18. England, currently does NOT have any laws requiring helmets, but does "encourage" their use.
Cyclehelmets.org, a great site covering worldwide use of bike helmets and their benefits can be clicked through to see what various countries around the world are currently doing.
There really is not much doubt to the benefit of wearing a helmet in the event of a crash, either falling onto the road or colliding with a vehicle. Using Ontario as an example, the percentage of head injuries in child cyclists fell from 40.6% the year prior to the law, to just 21.2% five years after its enactment. Why it doesn't apply to all ages is somewhat beyond me. An effort to enact this for everyone in Ontario failed in 2005.
Arguments that requiring adults to wear helmets when cycling would decrease the number of cyclists, that they are too hot, or cumbersome are not justifiable. Using data "showing" fatalities are not reduced when wearing helmets is absurd.
Hopefully, Wiggins, as the Olympic and Tour de France champion, will help bring this issue to the forefront.
So, do you wear a helmet when you cycle?
Would making it law stop you from cycling?
Let me know what you think!
