The history of bike helmets in Australia: do they save lives?

Some Australians remember when mandatory bicycle helmets were first introduced in their state. Others have grown up with bike helmet laws and can’t remember a time when it wasn’t compulsory to wear one. Still others may wonder if they have to wear a helmet on a bike.  

Here we explain if it is a law to wear a helmet, what the Australian helmet standards are,what the research says about whether they’ll save your life and how we can help if you’re caught in a cycling accident.  

Bicycle helmet laws in Australia 

Victoria was the first state to introduce mandatory helmet laws in 1990, followed by all the remaining states and territories. Helmet law exemptions vary slightly between jurisdictions but if you’re asking, do you have to wear a helmet on a bike where you live? Then the answer is unequivocally yes. 

QLD bike helmet laws 

When you ride a bicycle,an e-bike or scooter, you must wear an Australian Standard approved bicycle helmet that fits securely and is fastened appropriately. 

NSW bike helmet laws 

All bicycle riders in New South Wales must wear an approved helmet that is securely fitted and fastened. This rule also applies to children who are riding a bike with training wheels as well those who are passengers or are being pulled in a bike trailer. 

ACT bike helmet laws  

In the Australian Capital Territory all bike riders and passengers must wear an approved bicycle helmet, and it must be securely fastened. 

VIC bike helmet laws 

In Victoria, you are required by law to wear a helmet that complies with the Australian/New Zealand (AS/NZS) 2063 standard when riding a bicycle. 

TAS bike helmet laws 

When you ride a bicycle in Tasmania, you must wear an Australian Standard approved bicycle helmet that is securely fitted and fastened. 

SA bike helmet laws 

In South Australia all bicyclists must wear a bicycle helmet that is properly adjusted and securely fastened and complies with Australian Standard AS/NZS 2063. 

WA bike helmet laws 

Helmets are compulsory in Western Australia. All cyclists must wear an approved helmet while in motion. 

NT bike helmet laws 

If you're 17 or under, you must wear an approved helmet if you're riding on a public place or footpath. However, if you're over 17, you don’t have to wear a helmet unless you’re riding on the road. 

Exemptions to Australian bike helmet laws 

All Australian states and territories allow exemptions to mandatory helmet wear for religious reasons. This is generally when observers wear religious headdress, such as Sikhs.  

Medical exemptions are also allowed in some jurisdictions. To get this you will need a doctor’s certificate and may need to apply to your state or territory’s Department of Transport. 

The only other exemption that exists, is in the Northern Territory mentioned above. 

Do bike helmets save lives? 

One of the first things we are taught before hoping on a bike is to make sure you wear a helmet. But how effective are they at reducing our risk of serious head or brain injuries? 

Australian bike helmet statistics 

A major international study on the use of bicycle helmets showed that they reduced the risk of a serious head injury from cycling accidents by nearly 70%. Australian statisticians Jake Olivier and Prudence Creighton drew on data from more than 40 different studies and 64,000 cyclists worldwide. 

They found cyclists who wear helmets reduce their risk of dying from a head injury by 65% and that there is no correlation between helmet usage and neck injuries. To increase the effectiveness of your helmet, it’s suggested that you’re choosing the right helmet, that has been properly designed to protect you. 

Choosing the right helmet 

In a serious cycling accident, having the right helmet can make all the difference in the seriousness of your injuries. Which is why picking the right helmet for you is critical. 

First, if it’s uncomfortable you’re less likely to enjoy your ride. When picking a helmet, make sure it fits comfortably yet firmly on your head and can’t be tilted in any direction. Ensure that there is no slack when you fasten the straps. 

More importantly, bike helmets in Australia must meet certain standards. This is to keep you safe. You should always check that your helmet follows the accreditation standards from the Joint Accreditation of Australia and New Zealand: AS/NZS2063. If the helmet was manufactured after 2012, there should be a symbol showing this.  

Australian stores by law must not sell helmets which don’t meet the accreditation. Always make sure that if you buy a helmet from overseas, it meets Australian certification. Otherwise you could be risking your life and breaking the law. 

How Shine Lawyers can help

If you or a loved one have suffered an injury while cycling, you may be able to make a claim for compensation.  

Our team of cycling claim experts can guide you through the legal process to help you understand your rights and protect what matters. Get in touch today for an obligation-free consultation.