At a time when the use of bike is encouraged by many associations, a group of centrist parliamentarians supports the bill which requires the payment of a fine of 135 euros in the event of non-wearing of helmets by cyclists. It is true that this initiative makes it possible to strengthen the security riders of two-wheelers, but the amount of the fine risks dissuading the use of bicycles. Explanations.
A quick reminder of the main advantages of cycling
The advantages of cycling are no longer to be proven. It is one of the best means of transport to preserve health and the environment. On the one hand, it allows you to do sports and move your body. Especially since cities have equipped themselves with urban furniture for the cause, cyclists are willing to storage bike locker and other bike stand with charging point.
And on the other, it allows you to move without using fuel and without polluting the planet.
The bike is also perfect for quickly covering a few kilometers without worrying about traffic jams. And during this phase of deconfinement, it is the perfect vehicle to minimize contact and to limit the spread of the virus.
A counterproductive effect
According to cycling associations, the fact of imposing the wearing of helmets under penalty of a fine can change the situation. People will no longer be motivated to cycle on a daily basis, because they will be afraid of being exposed to a high risk of accident as well as a large fine.
Also, the proposed law does not only concern cyclists, it is aimed at any driver of a vehicle with one or more wheels. This means that users of scooters and gyroplanes are also put in the same bag.
Overview of 2019 statistics
The group of centrist parliamentarians argue that "Helmets can save lives and prevent serious accidents". Well, that's not wrong. However, it is necessary to refer to the figures. In 2019, most injured cyclists are hit in the arms and legs.
Only 23,3% are injured in the face and 16,9% in the head. In 10 years of study, about 1% of the injured suffered serious, probably fatal, injuries to the head.
Security by numbers
In addition, we must also consider what is called "security in numbers". In other countries, it has been proven that the more the number of cyclists increases, the more the risk of an accident decreases.
Two-wheeler users actually become more predictable by other road users when they pedal together in public spaces. They are seen better. So they are more secure and safer.