Draft Law on Mandatory Helmet Use Expected Soon, but Advocates Push for Awareness Campaigns
Hong Kong’s cycling community is calling for increased public education on helmet safety, even as authorities move forward with legislation that could make helmets compulsory. The Transport Department confirmed plans to submit legislative amendments to the Legislative Council (LegCo) soon, in a bid to enhance cyclist safety.
The push for regulation follows a troubling rise in cycling fatalities. Police data shows that eight cyclists lost their lives in traffic accidents from January to August this year—double the number from the same period last year—with six of the victims not wearing helmets.
Kacy Chan, co-founder of Cyclink, a social enterprise promoting cycling, voiced support for the proposed helmet law. Cyclink, which offers beginner to advanced cycling courses, devotes part of each session to ensuring participants wear protective gear properly.
Chan emphasized, however, that legislation alone might be insufficient. “Some people aren’t even aware helmets are essential. We need to educate people, especially children, to automatically associate helmets with cycling,” she said.
Kelvin Lo Chun-kit, coach of the Apex Cycling Team, echoed Chan’s sentiments, underscoring the importance of outreach, especially to older residents who use bicycles for transportation. “For senior riders, media campaigns on television could help encourage this habit,” he suggested, adding that a transition period might ease the adjustment.
Lo also pointed out potential challenges for recreational cyclists who might hesitate to purchase helmets for occasional rides. He proposed that bike rental shops offer helmets, though he acknowledged hygiene could be a concern.
In Hong Kong, adult bike helmets range from about HK$100 (US$12) to over HK$3,000, The Post reported.
Some sports community members believe education, rather than enforcement, would be more effective in promoting helmet use. Lau Kam-chung, director of the First Ten Generation Team cycling and triathlon club, argued that a “one-size-fits-all” mandate might not be ideal.
“It’s better to promote helmet-wearing through education,” Lau said, noting that high helmet adoption rates in parts of Europe have been achieved without legislation. “I cycle in Europe often and observe widespread helmet use, largely thanks to public awareness efforts.”
Veteran triathlon coach Cheng Tsz-yeung agreed, suggesting that even if helmets became mandatory, some cyclists might still disregard the law. “Education is a more effective approach than enforcement,” he remarked.
Lau Kam-moon, founder of the 3+1 Bicycle Club, echoed this sentiment, stating that while helmets can reduce accident risks, flexibility would benefit cyclists. He advocated for education as the preferred means of encouraging helmet use.
The debate over mandatory helmet laws in Hong Kong dates back to 2011, when LegCo discussed similar proposals. Authorities noted then that most jurisdictions globally did not mandate helmets, opting instead for public education.
A 2022 LegCo report indicated that at least 29 regions worldwide, including Switzerland, France, and Singapore, had implemented helmet laws. However, countries like the Netherlands and Denmark had resisted mandating helmets, concerned that doing so might discourage cycling by implying it is inherently dangerous.
Singapore’s 2019 law requires helmets for cyclists on the road, with exemptions on cycling tracks and footpaths under certain conditions. Violations can incur fines of up to S$1,000 (US$757), approximately HK$6,000.
In Hong Kong, helmet laws are currently limited to motorcyclists and their passengers, who face penalties of up to three months in jail or a HK$5,000 fine for non-compliance.
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