Helmets are not compulsory for cycling in Ireland although many riders wear them. Now doubt has been cast on whether they are of any benefit.
A leading brain surgeon has controversially claimed that cyclists who wear helmets are no safer on the roads because most crash hats are too flimsy.
He has also suggested those who wear helmets when biking may even be at greater risk from motorists who assume they are more experienced and predictable and so do not give them the same space on the roads as those who do not wear helmets.
Dr Henry Marsh, a leading neurosurgeon based at St George’s Hospital in Tooting, London, said he had seen many cyclists involved in accidents who benefited little from the helmets they were wearing because they were “too flimsy” to be truly beneficial.
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He added evidence from a study by the University of Bath had shown that wearing a helmet may put cyclists at greater risk. The data in that study revealed drivers come around 3 inches closer to cyclists wearing helmets compared to those without because they believe they are safer.
“I ride a bike and I never wear a helmet,” Dr Marsh told an audience at the Hay Festival in the UK while in conversation with the well known author Ian McEwan, whose novel Saturday featured a neurosurgeon.
“In the countries where bike helmets are compulsory there has been no reduction in bike injuries whatsoever.
“I see lots of people in bike accidents and these flimsy little helmets don’t help.”
Dr Marsh added he had been riding his bike for 40 years and that he wears a cowboy hat and had only had an accident once.
“I have been cycling for 40 years and have only been knocked off once. I wear a cowboy hat and cowboy boots. I look completely mad."
He also admitted breaking red lights while cycling.
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“It’s my life at risk, so I regularly cross over red lights.”
In response to the comments, chief executive of the UK’s Bicycle Helmet Initiative Trust, Angle Lee asked whether Dr Marsh would take responsibility if any cyclist who stopped wearing a helmet as a result his comments suffered a head injury in a collision.
“This may be his opinion but there are a lot more neurosurgeons and surgeons who would counter that argument,” she said.
“My advice would be the same as the Department of Transport’s which is that helmets have a place in protecting the head.”
The research from the University of Bath that Dr Marsh used to support his suggestion cyclists may be at more risk when wearing a helmet was conducted by Dr Ian Walker.
The study by the professor of traffic psychology concluded motorists drove around 8cm closer when overtaking cyclists with helmets.
The study’s interpretation was that drivers think cyclists wearing helmets are more sensible than those who do not and so are more predictable and experienced. Therefore drivers believe they do not need to give them much space when overtaking.
The research found that cyclists without helmets, especially women, are regarded as less predictable and experienced, leading to motorists giving them more room.
