Why Are Fewer People Wearing Bike Helmets?

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On the JJ Barnes Blog, I look at evidence that fewer people are wearing bike helmets, and explore why they’re important to hopefully inspire our children to stay safe on the roads!

Bike Helmets

Remember the days when a scraped knee and a wobbly ride were the biggest dangers of learning to ride a bike? I spent many childhood hours whizzing around on my bike, visiting friends and going to playgrounds, and while the thrill of two wheels remains timeless, the landscape of cycling safety has shifted. Recent studies show a concerning decline in helmet use among cyclists, particularly adults. This raises a crucial question: Why are fewer people wearing bike helmets?

As parents and guardians, the safety of our children is paramount. Helmets play a vital role in protecting young heads during those inevitable tumbles and wobbly starts. But beyond the personal responsibility we have towards our own safety and that of our loved ones, understanding the reasons behind the decline in helmet use can help us advocate for a safer cycling environment for everyone.

In this blog post, I’ll delve into the statistics surrounding helmet use, explore the arguments for and against mandatory helmet laws, and most importantly, emphasize the importance of setting a good example for our children when it comes to safe cycling practices. So, buckle up (or put on your helmet!), as we explore the reasons behind the decline in helmet use and reignite the conversation about cycling safety, especially for our future generation.

The Importance Of Bike Helmets

Cycle helmets are getting less love online these days, with search interest in bike helmets decreasing by almost half (44%) compared to last year, despite research showing the risks of going without. Adam Cross, Customer Care Manager at bicycle retailer Paul’s Cycles sent over insights on the importance of helmets in cycling safety, and offers advice on how to check if your helmet is safe.

• According to Google Trends, search interest in the topic ‘bike helmet’ has decreased by almost half (44%) compared to January last year.
• As many as 97% of cyclist fatalities are cyclists who weren’t wearing a helmet when a crash happened, US data reveals.
• Wearing cycle helmets lowers the risk of severe brain injury, ICU requirement, neurosurgical intervention, and mortality, according to a study in the British Medical Journal.

In the UK, there’s no law forcing you to wear a helmet while cycling, but choosing not to could have more than just safety implications. It might also affect your pocket, especially if you’re involved in an accident and hoping for compensation. 

While it’s important to remember that cycle helmets don’t prevent collisions from happening, they play a crucial role in protecting cyclists from serious injuries. Helmets act as a safeguard by absorbing impact and reducing the risk of severe head trauma.

Wearing a helmet is not a legal requirement in the UK. Some argue that making it mandatory would discourage people from cycling and that there are other more effective ways to improve cycling safety, such as improving infrastructure. However, when it comes to individual safety decisions about cycling, research studies like the one published in the British Medical Journal highlight the importance of helmets in ensuring one’s safety while cycling.

Stylish Bike Helmets

The resistance against helmet usage frequently comes down to comfort and style concerns. However, finding the perfect helmet is simply a matter of knowing what to look for. From the type of activity to the right size, selecting the ideal helmet is a tailored experience.

Choosing a helmet doesn’t mean compromising on style for safety. Today’s market offers an array of options that combine both, proving that protective gear can also be a fashion statement.

The decline in search interest regarding bike helmets could suggest that some people are unaware of or unconvinced by the safety benefits of wearing one.

-Adam Cross

Cool Helmets for Little Riders

For our tiny trendsetters, safety doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style! Here are some options to keep your little cyclist protected and looking sharp:

Character Helmets: Let their favorite cartoon pals join the ride! Helmets featuring superheroes, princesses, dinosaurs or beloved animals can make wearing a helmet a fun and exciting experience.

Multi-Colored Marvels: Bright and colorful helmets not only look cool, but also increase a child’s visibility on the road.

Light Up the Night: Helmets with built-in LED lights or reflective decals offer an extra layer of safety for evening rides.

Helmets for the Fashion-Forward Adult Cyclist

Adults can also enjoy a variety of stylish options:

The Classic Commuter: Sleek, minimalist helmets in neutral tones like black, white, or gray complement any outfit.

The Bold and Beautiful: Embrace vibrant colors or playful patterns to express your personality while riding.

Visor Versatility: Visored helmets offer protection from the sun and glare, perfect for sunny commutes or leisurely rides.

Retro Revival: Channel vintage vibes with a classic bucket-style helmet, perfect for cruising on a cruiser bike.

Remember, regardless of style, a good helmet should:

• Fit snugly and comfortably. There should be no more than two finger-widths of space between the helmet and your forehead.
• Sit level on your head. The front of the helmet should rest just above your eyebrows.
• Securely fasten with an adjustable chin strap. The strap should be snug but not uncomfortable.

Safety First, Style Always:

While looking good on your bike ride is a bonus, the most important feature of any helmet is its ability to protect your head in case of a fall. Look for helmets that meet safety standards like CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) in the US or CE (Conformité Européenne) in Europe.

How To Check If Your Bike Helmet Is Safe

• Look for a safety standards sticker inside the helmet, such as those set by the European Committee for Standardization (EN) or equivalent.
• Another sticker to look out for is the small yellow dot that identifies MIPS technology. This Multi-directional Impact Protection System reduces rotational forces during a crash.
• The replacement frequency of a helmet depends on its usage, materials, and overall construction.
• Some materials, like polystyrene, can degrade over time, so it is essential to know the components of your cycle helmet.
• It is generally recommended to replace your helmet every 3-5 years, even if you haven’t been in an accident.
• If your helmet has been in a crash or damaged in any way, it is crucial to replace it as it may not provide optimal protection. 

Cross also provides advice on different types of cycling helmets, including road bikes, commuter bike helmets, and dirt bike helmets. Check out their full report for more information.

Conclusion

While the reasons behind the decline in helmet use are complex, the importance of head protection remains undeniable. Statistics may show a decrease in reported cycling injuries, but the potential consequences of a head injury are severe, and a responsible approach to safety is crucial.

As parents and guardians, we have a powerful role to play. Modeling safe cycling habits, including consistent helmet use, goes a long way in shaping our children’s attitudes towards safety. By choosing brightly colored or patterned helmets for them, we can make safety a fun and engaging experience.

Looking beyond our own families, advocating for safer cycling infrastructure, dedicated bike lanes, and increased awareness among motorists are all steps towards creating a cycling environment where everyone feels comfortable and protected.

Remember, cycling is a joy to be shared. Let’s keep the roads safe for all riders, young and old, by making informed choices, prioritizing safety, and ensuring every ride is a memorable one for the right reasons. So, buckle up (with a properly fitted helmet, of course!), and let’s keep the wheels rolling – safely!

Paul’s Cycles

Paul’s Cycles is a specialist bicycle and e-bike retailer based in East Anglia. Trading since 1983, Paul’s supplies a comprehensive range of cycles from options to help the very smallest humans start riding, right through to team edition downhill bikes as used in world cup racing.

https://www.facebook.com/paulscycles.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/pauls_cycles/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmsa1ag0tnaGVpwTFcpGEQA 

Adam Cross

Adam Cross is the Customer Care Manager at Pauls Cycles and specialises in all things related to cycling lifestyle, gravel/off-road riding & road cycling. In his role, he leads advice and support for cyclists of all levels, being well versed in the sport of cycling. Riding and racing bicycles for 15 years, Adam has competed in everything from short distance time trials to ultra distance gravel and 24 hour mountain bike races. When not at work, Adam will most likely be found on the sandy tracks and trails of Thetford Forest – Follow Adam on Instagram @ay_sea_