Consistency in helmet laws needed after introduction of new safety standards

While a wider range of cycling helmets may soon be available in Australia, cyclists should think twice before rushing out to buy a new model.

A potential increase in the range of helmets comes after the federal government recently adopted a recommendation of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to recognise some international helmet standards.

The decision will allow suppliers to import and sell helmets that comply with the latest voluntary Australian standard or comparable international standards, potentially expanding the range of helmets available to Australian riders.

Comparable international standards currently include the European standard (EN 1078) and three US standards (CPSC, ASTM and Snell). Previously, helmets that only complied with international standards were not permitted to be sold on the Australian market.

The ACCC claims the change will also save the industry up to $14 million each year, as compliance and administrative costs are reduced for Australian importers and retailers.

However, state and territory governments are yet to recognise the change, and Australian road rules still require riders on public roads and lands (including public mountain bike trails) to wear a helmet that meets the original Australian standard.

While state and territory governments consider their response to the ACCC decision, AusCycling will continue to push for consistency in road rules throughout Australia.

AusCycling EGM of Government Strategy Nick Hannan said that while he supported the recognition of appropriate international standards, it was essential that helmet laws are consistent from state to state.

“Australian cyclists should have more choice, but they should also have the confidence that a helmet bought in an Australian shop is legal to wear on any Australian public road,” Hannan said.

“There is a real risk that states and territories react to the ACCC decision differently and recognise different helmet standards in their road rules.

“We could be facing a situation where a helmet that is legal to buy and legal to wear in one state could be illegal to wear in another.”

Hannan added that updating state and territory road rules may take years, and until this happens, wearing a helmet that is only approved under an international standard while riding on a public road has the same penalties as not wearing a helmet at all.

Read the Ministerial release.

Main photo: AusCycling