Bicycle Helmet Laws by Country 2024

Bicycle helmets are synonymous with safety - making them a no-brainer to most cycling enthusiasts. However, they’re often not the most stylish accessory, leading others to shun this potentially life-saving gear.

As opinions on helmets vary from person to person, so do they vary from country to country - sometimes significantly. Some nations enforce strict regulations, while others are content to “let it ride,” so to speak.

Read on to learn how different countries handle the issue.

Strict Helmet Regulations

Argentina, Cyprus, Australia, and New Zealand are the only countries that require and enforce cyclists to wear helmets.

Australia and New Zealand led the pack, enacting mandatory bicycle helmet laws in the early 90’s. Argentina followed suit in 2004, while Cyprus’ 2022 law makes them the most recent addition to the club.

Partial Helmet Laws

No, we’re not saying you only have to wear part of a helmet in these countries. Instead, their helmet laws apply only to specific individuals or places.

For instance, helmets are only mandatory in France for children under age 12. Canada’s approach is geographically fragmented, with the provinces of British Columbia, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia requiring all cyclists to wear helmets. Meanwhile, Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario only require riders under 18 to wear helmets.

Helmet laws in the United States are incredibly complex, varying according to state and a rider’s age. Some states have statewide laws around helmet use, while others have only local laws or laws for minors. Still other states have no laws around helmet use.

There is no nationwide requirement in the Philippines, but Quezon City has its own helmet laws.

No Helmet Laws

Countries like Denmark and Finland do not require helmets but recommend their use. Mexico City repealed its mandatory helmet laws in 2010 to align it with the rest of Mexico.

There are no helmet laws in the United Kingdom, though various organizations are debating their effectiveness in saving lives. Cycling UK believes helmet-wearing should be a personal choice, while the British Medical Association advocates compulsory helmet use.

The Bottom Line

Helmet use is estimated to reduce the odds of head injury by 50% and the odds of head, face, or neck injury by 33%. So whether your country requires helmets or not, it’s always a bright idea to wear one.