On 1 July, 1990 the legislation requiring wearing of an approved bicycle (safety) helmet by all pedal cyclists, unless exempted, came into effect in Victoria. It is understood that Victoria was the first state in the world to introduce such a requirement. This paper describes the more important activities during the past decade, which paved the way for this groundbraking initiative and provides preliminary information about the effect of the legislation on wearing rates and injuries. More recently, New South Wales has enacted legislation which requires adult bicyclists to wear an approved helmet as from 1 January 1991 and children as from 1 July 1991. It is understood that all Australian States and Territories plan to introduce similar requirements before mid 1992. (A)
Abstract