Helmets by Country

[sloe]

Anyone ever coma across a chart of what European countries you are required to wear a helmet, and how rigourously it is policed, and what might be imminent. I'm specifically interested in the Scandanavian countries, but curious about the rest as well.

 

[Cathryn]

I believe it's mandatory in Spain!! Although sometimes you can get away without them.

 

[vernon]

I believe it's mandatory in Spain!! Although sometimes you can get away without them.

There's also some exceptions in Spain possibly linked to climbing long gradients and high ambient temperatures but I could be wrong.

Meanwhile a long URL that might deliver the answers is:

http://www.ecf.com/misc/filePush.ph...com/files/2/26/60/050615_helmet_summary_1.pdf

Hope that helps.

 

[sloe]

Very interesting, thank you.

 

[psmiffy]

Not Norway, Sweden or Dennmark

However helpful link says

"In four of these countries the law covers children only, while in Finland and Spain everybody should wear a helmet when cycling."

I was in Finland in Summer 2007 and Spain in Summer 2006 - no Helmet - nobody said anything



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[Fab Foodie]

In Germany do you still need to wear those early aero designs with the spike on the top?

 

[Crackle]

Jah!

 

[Bigtallfatbloke]

In germany the roadies live dangerously and take off their canvass helmet covers revealing their polished helmets and shiny roof rods. The GCTC however insists that canvass helmet covers be worn at all times.

 

[Percy]

Germany has lots of strange rules, apparently, (heard of the manadatory dynamo lights one?) but a bike shop owner I asked just said 'Don't worry about it, Germany is crazy, nobody takes any notice'. That seems to apply for most places so I'd say just do whatever you feel most comfortable doing. Some places you might feel safer with one on though!

 

[Tony]

Spent a week in Spain last year, doing average of 40 miles a day. No helmet, not a word said.

 

[Cathryn]

I think you can get away with it in Spain, as I said...but we were quite grateful for them on some roads