Bicycle helmets pros and cons?
Patrick SchneiderSplit
Bicycle helmets are an important part of bicycle safety and can help reduce injuries in accidents. Nevertheless, there are always people who argue against wearing bicycle helmets. In this article we will look at the most common arguments against bicycle helmets and show why there is not a single convincing argument against wearing bicycle helmets.
Argument 1: Bicycle helmets are uncomfortable and look ugly. It is true that some bicycle helmets may be uncomfortable or may not suit personal taste. However, these days there is a wide range of helmets available in different sizes, colors and designs that can be both comfortable and attractive. Plus, the comfort and appearance of the helmet is a small price to pay for the safety it offers.
Argument 2: Wearing bicycle helmets is uncomfortable and disrupts cycling. Wearing a helmet may feel strange at first, but it shouldn't take long to get used to it. Additionally, wearing a helmet can help prevent injuries that could completely disable cycling. If you feel uncomfortable at first, try wearing the helmet for short periods of time and gradually wearing it for longer periods until you get used to it.
Argument 3: Bicycle helmets are not necessary because bicycle accidents are rare. Bicycle accidents may be relatively rare compared to other accidents, but they can still have serious consequences. In fact, head injuries are the leading cause of death in bicycle accidents. Wearing a helmet can help prevent or at least reduce injuries and therefore reduce the risk of serious consequences.
Argument 4: Wearing a helmet gives you a false sense of security. It is possible that wearing a helmet may lead some people to feel safer and thereby engage in riskier behaviors while cycling. However, there is no evidence that wearing a helmet actually leads to riskier behavior. Additionally, wearing a helmet should not be viewed as a sole safety measure, but rather as one of many measures one can take to make cycling safer.
Argument 5: Bicycle helmets are too expensive. There are bicycle helmets in different price ranges, and it is possible to find a helmet that fits your budget. Although a helmet may cost more than you can afford, keep in mind that the cost of a head injury in an accident can be much higher than the cost of a helmet.
Bicycle helmets are important for reducing injuries in accidents, but there are people who argue against them. The most common arguments are that bicycle helmets look uncomfortable or ugly, interfere with cycling, are unnecessary, give a false sense of security or are too expensive. However, these arguments are not convincing because there is now a wide choice of comfortable and attractive helmets, people quickly get used to wearing them, bicycle accidents, although rare, can still have serious consequences, wearing a helmet does not lead to riskier behavior and helmets are available in different price ranges. So there is no argument against wearing bicycle helmets.
| Age group | Helmet wearer quota |
|---|---|
| 6 – 10 year olds | 82% |
| 11 – 16 year olds | 38% |
| 17 – 30 year olds | 8th % |
| 31 – 40 year olds | 15% |
| 41 – 60 year olds | 20% |
| From 61 years | 23% |
| country | Regulations/helmet requirement |
|---|---|
| Austria | Children under 12 years |
| Czech Republic | Mandatory for children and young people under 18 years of age |
| Sweden | Mandatory for children under 15 years |
| Estonia | Helmets are compulsory for children under 16 years of age |
| Iceland | Compulsory for children under 15 years |
| Spain | Mandatory for everyone who drives outside built-up areas. Exceptions for long climbs and extreme temperatures |
| Japan | Children under 13 |
| Slovakia | Children under 15 outside built-up areas |
| Israel | Mandatory for children and young people under 18 years of age |
| Australia | There is a general obligation to wear a helmet |
| Lithuania | Mandatory for children and young people under 18 years of age |
| Malta | General legal requirement to wear a helmet |
| Finland | Mandatory for all cyclists |
| USA | Depending on the state, for children and young people under the age of 16 |
Arguments for a helmet
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Protection against head injuries: A bicycle helmet can prevent or at least minimize serious head injuries in the event of a fall or accident. Such injuries can be life-threatening, especially at higher speeds. A helmet offers effective protection here.
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Legal requirement: In many countries there is a legal requirement for cyclists, especially children, to wear a helmet. Anyone who violates the helmet requirement must expect fines. Even if there is no obligation, it is still advisable to wear a helmet.
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Low cost: A bicycle helmet is very inexpensive compared to the cost of a head injury in an accident. There are helmets in different price ranges, so everyone can find a helmet that fits their budget.
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Convenience: Modern bicycle helmets are lightweight and comfortable to wear. Many models are designed to provide good ventilation and not interfere with the wearer. The weight is also so low that it is hardly noticeable when cycling.
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Role model function: When you wear a helmet as an adult, you show children and other cyclists how important it is to protect yourself while riding a bike. This way you can act as a role model and encourage others to also wear a helmet.
