Helmet law in Spain

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steveindenmark

Legendary Member
Having read this I am working out a defence if I get stopped by the police. Living in Denmark it gets very cold in Winter -25 at times. If it is + 25, can I claim that to be Extreme heat? Anything more than flat is a steep hill to me.


Helmet laws: Spain
Introduction and scope
The Spanish helmet law came into effect from 23rd January 2004. It applies to bicycle riders of all ages. However it does not apply: to cyclists riding in towns and cities; during periods of extreme heat; when riding up steep hills; or to professional cyclists.

A fine of up to EUR90 can be imposed for not wearing a helmet.

In October 2010 the City of Madrid required passengers travelling in bike trailers to wear a helmet.

Compliance and enforcement
In 2003, pre-law, 19% of cyclists wore helmets. In early 2005, helmet use remained unusual in towns but was about 75% among sports cyclists outside towns.

Enforcement is generally very lax. It is not a priority for the Guardia Civil, who alone have responsibility for enforcement.

Effect on casualties
Prior to legislation, an in-depth study of non-fatal cycle accidents by the Spanish Directorate of Traffic (Min Int, 1999)concluded that no statistically relevant positive effects of helmet wearing could be detected. A subsequent study (Claret et al, 2003) concluded that there was a benefit from helmet use, but this has been criticised for containing no medical data, not distinguishing between minor and serious head injuries and not considering other possible reasons for falling casualties.
 

Shut Up Legs

Down Under Member
I'd be interested to see the bicycle use stats in Spain for this year. When Australia introduced its mandatory helmet law in 1990, bicycle use dropped very fast, and has never really recovered.
 
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steveindenmark

steveindenmark

Legendary Member
There are no stats Victor.

Its a strange piece of legislation. I see that pro cyclists dont have to use them by law. Seeing as they go a lot faster that the rest of us it would seem a good idea that they did. But then again pro cyclists are good business for Spain, so maybe they wouldnt want to upset them. but you dont see many pro cyclists out training without helmets.

Steve
 

nomdeplume

Active Member
When visiting Spain, I have seen many motor scooterists bare-headed. Mostly girls who don't want to mess up their hair. Police seem unconcerned.
 

ColinJ

Puzzle game procrastinator!
I went on cycling holidays on the Costa Blanca about 6 or 7 times in the 2000s. Generally, we had no problem with helmet enforcement, but on one occasion the Guardia Civil pulled over a group of our riders on the Tudons descent towards Benidorm and fined everybody not wearing a helmet.
 

Glow worm

Legendary Member
Location
Near Newmarket
I'm off to Malta in a week or so and am planning to hire a bike there. Apparently they have mandatory lid laws there too which I'm planning to completely ignore.
 

GrumpyGregry

Here for rides.
Didn't see a single bare headed cyclist last month in Catalonia. So I made like a local on my hire bike and wore a lid all the time. My relatively pale white flesh and pathetic climbing ability - my excuse being the 40 degree temps - still signalled me as a visitor mind.
 

bianchi1

Legendary Member
Location
malverns
I'm off to Malta in a week or so and am planning to hire a bike there. Apparently they have mandatory lid laws there too which I'm planning to completely ignore.

I would be interested how you find cycling in Malta. I used to live on the dusty island and the roads used to be horrific. The driving standards are also generally considered to be some of the worse in Europe. I have often toyed with the idea of moving back but I think I would miss the freedom to go out on my bike more than I would enjoy the sun and cisk.

As for the Spain, helmet issue, I have ridden a lot in Spain sometimes with a helmet, sometimes without. Mainly when it got to hot. If the police do stop you you may get fined..I never have. I did hear once of a cyclist who was stopped and couldn't pay his fine on the spot..so they took his front wheel as payment and left him on the side of the road. The Spanish police have been known to work in mysterious ways!
 

Sara_H

Guru
I would be interested how you find cycling in Malta. I used to live on the dusty island and the roads used to be horrific. The driving standards are also generally considered to be some of the worse in Europe. I have often toyed with the idea of moving back but I think I would miss the freedom to go out on my bike more than I would enjoy the sun and cisk.

As for the Spain, helmet issue, I have ridden a lot in Spain sometimes with a helmet, sometimes without. Mainly when it got to hot. If the police do stop you you may get fined..I never have. I did hear once of a cyclist who was stopped and couldn't pay his fine on the spot..so they took his front wheel as payment and left him on the side of the road. The Spanish police have been known to work in mysterious ways!

Agree with this. We holidayed in Gozo a couple of years ago, staying with friend who have spent lots of time there over many years and apparently the roads of Malta are well known for having lots of lawless, reckless drivers.
I'd be surprised if helmet laws are enforced. We saw loads of kids on mountain bikes with petrol engines added, none of whom wore helmets.
 

Glow worm

Legendary Member
Location
Near Newmarket
Agree with this. We holidayed in Gozo a couple of years ago, staying with friend who have spent lots of time there over many years and apparently the roads of Malta are well known for having lots of lawless, reckless drivers.

Blimey - sounds a bit grim. I thought British drivers were bad!
Still, think I'll give it a go and will post on here on how I get on.
 

rich p

ridiculous old lush
Location
Brighton
I rode in Spain a couple of years back and didn't wear it but had it looped on the pannier just in case. They weigh feck all
 

MarkF

Guru
Location
Yorkshire
Didn't see a single bare headed cyclist last month in Catalonia. So I made like a local on my hire bike and wore a lid all the time.

Wow! I cycle 2 or 3 times a year in Catalonia, usually from Sitges to Girona via BCN and I've rarely seen a cyclist wearing a helmet unless he's a club/road rider.

I've never owned a helmet but have ridden all over Spain top to bottom, east to west. It's a daft and convoluted law, I like to push my luck by asking the Guardia Civil for directions, I've never once been asked about my lack of a helmet. Does it matter, really? You'd have to come across a real pernickety policeman to have any issue.
 
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