Cyclists want helmet laws lowered and experts disagree

But a crash expert warned that any change could lead to an increase in serious injuries and deaths.

National Pressure Group The Bicycle Network has proposed a five-year trial across the country to allow adult cyclists to drop their helmets when they are not traveling on major roads.

Craig Richards, chairman and chief executive of the group, says driving on the road is dangerous, while other voices have long called for helmets to be optional.

In March, an anti-helmet group organized demonstrations in the main capitals to demand the end of the mandatory requirements.

Narelle Haworth, director of the Queensland Queensland University's Respected Accident Research and Road Safety Center, said no changes should be made.

"The current law is a good road safety policy because it addresses a serious problem in a way that has been scientifically proven to be effective and can be implemented realistically," said Professor Haworth.

"An Australian study by Dr. Jake Olivier published in 2016 found that helmets reduced the chances of head injuries by 50%, severe head injuries by 69% and head injuries by 65%. They also reduced the risk of face injuries by 33%. "

This in-depth study by Dr. Olivier examined 40 global studies of 64,000 cycling injuries, she said.

The bicycle network claims that most accidents occur on the road and therefore no helmet is required on trails, in parks or when cyclists are in low risk areas.

"The number of cyclists is not increasing and the number of motorcycle deaths has not decreased. It's clear that our bike policies are not working, "said Richards.

But in an article for the Tasmanian Sunday Yesterday, commentator Rex Gardner said that there was always a risk of injury to the bicycle.

"If you take a fall from your bike to 20 km / h on the bike path, the ground is as hard as a 20 km / h drop on the road," said Mr. Gardner.

"Of course, you do not have to deal with a car, but the ground is ruthless. Something between your head and the floor should be welcomed in all circumstances. "

The data shows that about 40 cyclists die and that another 4,800 are hospitalized each year in Australia.

The Victoria was the first state to pass strict laws on helmet use in 1990 after a series of devastating accidents. All other states and ACT followed.

Professor Haworth stated that head injuries were serious and often had lifelong consequences for the victims and their families.

"It makes sense to focus on preventing head injuries," she said. "Helmets are very effective in preventing or reducing the severity of injuries."

Professor Haworth stated that studies have shown that helmets halve the rate of head injuries, regardless of whether the vehicle is involved in the accident or not.

"Being off the road does not mean helmets are not needed," she said.

"While opponents of the law say it discourages people from driving, there is no real evidence to support that."

In general, people say they are reluctant to ride a bicycle because of concerns about road safety, living too far from work, warm weather and the number of hills on their route. she said.

"The removal of motorcycle helmet laws in many parts of the United States has resulted in a drop in the rate of wear and an increase in the number of deaths and injuries," she said.

"Here in Australia, it would be foolish to take a step back from legislation on the wearing of bicycle helmets, which is currently one of the best policy measures to protect cyclists on and off the road."

The cycling network also called for making cycling on bicycling trails in Victoria and New South Wales legal, in accordance with other jurisdictions.

The pedestrian advocates rejected this idea, saying it would make conditions more dangerous.