Bicycle helmet - Recommendations

Wearing a bicycle helmet is not mandatory in Luxembourg, and ProVelo insists that this should remain a personal choice. However, wearing one is recommended.

Helmets can certainly help reduce injuries if the helmet is worn correctly and meets the necessary quality requirements. They exist in different shapes, colors and for all tastes. Prices can vary strongly depending on function, design, material and weight.

Here’s what you should keep in mind when choosing your helmet :
- Be sure to check whether the helmet meets European standards (CE label). The correct label is EN 1078 for adults and EN 1080 for children.
- Make sure the forehead, back and top of the head as well as the temples are correctly covered without however limiting your field of vision.
- The helmet should sit straight on your head without tilting forwards or backwards without the straps when the tightening system /that most helmets have) is adjusted. The triangle of the straps should arrive just below the ear and when the straps are clipped the helmet should not move.
- Comfort is essential for longer rides or to insure kids are willing to wear the helmet. Low weight and ventilation holes generally improve comfort. The helmet should not hinder your movements.
- Higher prices usually result from more advanced, comfortable and lightweight materials, but do not necessarily mean that the helmet is safer than lower range models with the same label.

Here’s when you should replace your helmet:
- After a shock. Even if you see no signs of damage, the shock absorbing power could be impacted by invisible fissures and the structure fragilised     
- With visible damage such as broken straps, cracks,…     
- After about five years. Helmets don’t have an indefinite lifespan as the materials that absorb the shocks can change and become less effective with time. The general recommendation is therefore to replace helmets after approximatively 5 years although higher quality bike helmets generally last longer than bicycle helmets from low price ranges.     

Yes to helmets, no to helmet laws:     
The helmet has its raison d'être because it offers protection from injury in the event of a fall on the head (secondary protection).     
However, ProVelo, just like the ECF (European Cyclist's Federation), is expressly against a legal helmet requirement because this does not provide cyclists with any additional safety against the occurrence of accidents (primary protection) – only good infrastructure can do that. 
Moreover, the overall social disadvantages of mandatory helmets – less cycling because, for example, bike rental systems become unusable, which leads to higher social health and environmental costs – outweigh the advantages.