Compulsory helmet use for bicycles: What do people think?

In a nationwide survey, the forsa institute asked around 1,500 people over the age of 18, more than three quarters of whom cycle at least occasionally, about the issue of "compulsory helmets for cycling". The results showed that not only do the majority of respondents (90%) believe that helmets make cycling safer, but also that the majority (59%) would be in favour of making helmets compulsory when cycling.

For people who ride an e-bike, as many as 3 out of 4 respondents (77%) are of the opinion that a helmet requirement makes sense. According to experts, the reason for this is the increased risk of injury compared to non-motorised bikes. Compulsory helmets for children under the age of 14 are particularly popular: 90% of respondents would support this.

However, less than half of the respondents (40%) in the survey commissioned by DEKRA stated that they (almost) always wear a helmet. One in five (20 %) claim that they wear a helmet "most of the time" or "now and again". Almost a third of respondents (28%) never cycle with a helmet. There are already other European countries where helmets are compulsory for cycling. In Malta and Finland, for example, cyclists are officially required to wear a helmet. In Spain and Slovakia, this applies at least outside built-up areas.

You can find a large selection of bicycle helmets at the following online shops, for example:

• Stadler
• Rosebikes
• Mountain friends

Helmet compulsory for e-scooters?

On the other hand, the majority are fairly unanimous when it comes to e-scooters: 72% of respondents believe that making helmets compulsory for electrically powered city scooters is the right step. A helmet reduces the risk of serious head injuries when falling off a scooter.

• The majority (59%) are in favour of a helmet requirement for all types of bike.
• Almost all respondents (90 %) believe that a helmet provides more safety.
• Less than half (40%) almost always wear a helmet.