The helmet requirement can drastically reduce the number of road deaths per year, according to the government’s road safety adviser. If every cyclist were to wear a helmet, it could save at least 80 road deaths per year. That is why the cabinet is issuing a recommendation for wearing a helmet on an e-bike.
The government’s advice is aimed at people over 60, because this group is most at risk from e-bikes, according to SWOV research. The actual introduction of the helmet requirement is still under debate.
Prevent serious injury and brain damage
The bicycle helmet plays an important role in preventing serious injury in a traffic accident. Of all Dutch people who fall while cycling, a third suffer from head or brain injuries. In most cases (86 percent) we speak of brain injury. The number of accidents involving an e-bike also increases every year.
Wearing a bicycle helmet reduces the risk of serious head injury after a fall by 60 percent and the risk of fatal head injury by 71 percent. According to SWOV (Foundation for Scientific Research on Road Safety), this amounts to a reduction of 85 fatal and 2500 to 2600 serious road accidents.
Wearing a helmet would especially help among the over 60s and 70s: per year this would mean a reduction of 45 to 80 road deaths and at least 900 serious injuries.
Less cycling
However, the introduction of the helmet requirement can also cause the popularity of the e-bike to decline. The biggest criticism of the plan has to do with the obligation itself. This can ensure that people choose the regular bicycle over the e-bike or even stop cycling at all. Another common criticism of the plan is that the helmet is not comfortable (especially too warm), and does not look good. The Fietsersbond is not in favor of making helmets compulsory, because this places the responsibility for a safe cycling trip with the cyclist instead of with the government.
What do you think?
Do you support the helmet requirement for people over 60 on e-bikes? Or do you not like the helmet requirement? Respond to our statement.
Statement: The bicycle helmet should be mandatory for people over 60 on the e-bike
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