Big differences according to age
Research by VIAS shows that in Flanders only one in four cyclists wears a helmet. There are also major differences depending on age. Just over 60 percent of people under the age of 12 wear a helmet. Between 13 and 17 this is 16 percent, for 18 to 24 it is barely 10 percent. Then it rises again. VIAS wants to make helmets mandatory for young people, preferably up to and including first secondary school. Stef Willems, spokesperson for VIAS: “If they were used to it and if everyone did that, then that would certainly not be ‘not cool’. We often notice that young people say: that helmet is not cool so I won’t wear it. If we oblige them, then they will have a good habit for the rest of their cycling career.”
Or not put an age on it?
Neurologist Dominique Van Diest would go one step further. “I wouldn’t put an age on that. Cycling accidents resulting in brain injuries occur at all ages. I wouldn’t put an age on that.”
