Turning to statistics of road accidents, road safety in Denmark has in general undergone a positive development in the last decade with the numbers of deaths and injuries declining. When it comes to cyclists, however, we have not witnessed the same decline in fatalities as among drivers of motorized vehicles. The same pattern can be found in other European countries. A part of the explanation is that the security systems of cars (seat belts, airbags, ESC, autonomous emergency braking systems etc.) have been steadily improved and widespread. On the other hand, one of the main ‘security systems’ available for cyclists, the bicycle helmet, is much less widespread. Therefore, there is a large potential for increasing cyclist safety by raising the bicycle helmet wearing rate. This fact sheet will first point to the scientific studies that have assessed the effect of bicycle helmets. Following that, new data on the helmet wearing rate and head injuries in Denmark is presened. Next, the arguments against helmets are assessed. Finally, the road ahead for bicycle helmets is put forward. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting