The case against compulsory helmets

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Unhelmeted cycling is the norm in the Netherlands, even for children

Cycling is healthy

Cycling regularly gives you a level of fitness equivalent to being 10 years younger and a life expectancy 2 years above the average. In terms of life-years gained and lost, the Government acknowledges that the health benefits of cycling far outweigh any risks involved – by a factor of 20:1 according to one estimate, and even higher according to a recent study from Spain.

Tens of thousands of people die annually from diseases attributed to physical inactivity, whereas only a relatively small number die in crashes on bicycles each year.

Cycling is also a very popular form of exercise, ranking only behind swimming and athletics in popularity. Furthermore, when asked which activity people wish to do more of, cycling is second only to swimming.