If every cyclist in the Netherlands were to wear a helmet, that would save 85 deaths a year and 2,500 seriously injured. The Road Safety Research Foundation (SWOV) recently published these figures. The debate about a helmet requirement flares up. But there seems to be little support for compulsory helmets for all cyclists. What if it only becomes mandatory for e-bikers?
Last year, 65 cyclists lost their lives on an e-bike. That is one third of all bicycle deaths, according to figures from the Central Bureau of Statistics. Some of those victims could be prevented with a helmet requirement.
head injury
It is certain that this will save a lot of injuries. E-bikers are seriously injured twice as often, trauma surgeon Jeroen Poos of the Leeuwarden Medical Center said earlier in the report. AD. Head injuries and injuries to arms and legs are especially common. Enough reason for a helmet requirement?
Car
No, say the editors of the newspaper Trouw an opinion article. The protest against this will be fierce and it is expected that e-bikers would rather take the car than the bicycle if they are required to wear a helmet. According to SWOV other reasons for not wearing a helmet are that it is uncomfortable (too warm) and that peers do not wear one. In addition, e-bikers can now decide for themselves whether to put on a helmet, there is no obligation for this.
Rack
What do you think? Should there be a helmet requirement for cyclists on an e-bike? Respond to our statement.
There should be a helmet requirement for cyclists on an e-bike
- read more about There should be a helmet requirement for cyclists on an e-bike
- Add comment
