Mandatory Helmet Use When Cycling

Mandatory Helmet Use When Cycling?

This is a question that divides cyclists, clubs, and cycling enthusiasts.

While helmets have become mandatory at the Tour de France, what will happen with federal authorities, clubs, sports events, and finally among cyclists, whether seasoned or beginners, and now among regular or occasional users of "freedom bikes."

Mandatory Helmet Use

I remember a not-so-distant past when I used to ride without a helmet, descending mountain passes at breakneck speed like Mont Ventoux (84), Gineste (13), and Espigoulier (13), among others, of course, without a helmet. In those days, the only helmets were the ones worn by track cyclists with padded interiors, and those who wore them were quickly given the nickname Robic, and few cyclists rode with confidence when wearing them. Wearing a helmet at that time meant that the cyclist did not know how to ride. Today, times have changed, and it is better to wear one.
Requiring mandatory helmet use in clubs, under penalty of exclusion, is a dangerous trend. This means that the educational message has not been conveyed, and many cyclists wear a helmet but are not convinced, which is a shame. I wear a helmet during long rides or large group rides.
But if I climb a mountain pass or go on a solo ride, no thank you, let me enjoy cycling as I please, as long as I do not harm anyone.

On the Roads

What do we see on the roads?
Well, everything, complete groups of helmeted cyclists, lone cyclists, often without helmets, small groups of triathletes, all wearing helmets, who are either aware of the risks during training or wear helmets because it is part of the competition, so it is better to train with a helmet to get closer to race conditions. And there are also beginner cyclists who wear a helmet as a precaution, but high on the top of the head, and therefore useless in the event of a fall; as well as experienced cyclists who are visibly not wearing a helmet, but do they need one?

In Clubs

In clubs, if helmets must be worn because it is part of the message the club wants to convey to its members, the message must be effectively communicated and convincing. Several means of communication are available in clubs, through example, group and personal discussions, monthly magazines, and all other webzine or other supports.
Repetition of the message has a positive effect over time, while a policy of coercion with restrictive or prohibitive measures is regrettable.

In Sports Events

Mandatory helmets in large-scale sports events... is a good thing, but it is a pity because having participated in several mountain bike races without a helmet, as well as a few triathlons with a helmet, I can testify that the pleasure is not the same. While a helmet is justified in triathlon due to the risk factor and speeds reached, in cycling, wearing a helmet limits the pleasure, and the cyclist does everything possible to avoid falling.

In Conclusion

Prohibiting or complaining, the ideal would be to wear a helmet voluntarily and be convinced that it is good to wear one.