Bicycle Helmets
SWOV Fact Sheet
Source: Institute for Road Safety Research (SWOV)
Cyclists sustain severe head injury in 30% of the crashes, which is much more frequently than for riders of other two-wheelers. For motorcyclists, who are another group of vulnerable road users, this percentage is less than half that of cyclists. This indicates that head protection would also be useful for cyclists. No research has been carried out in the Netherlands into the effect of bicycle helmets on reducing the risk of severe head injury. Foreign research mentions effects of 10-85%. SWOV estimates an effect of 10-20% for the Netherlands. It is important that a bicycle helmet fits well and is well fastened. There is no legal obligation in the Netherlands for cyclists to wear a helmet. However, some national organizations do promote voluntary use. This is mainly aimed at children.
