Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a simple new cycle helmet safety rating system with easy-to-understand scores from 0-5, designed to help buyers select which helmet to buy. The system is based on extensive new safety testing experiments at Imperial.
Testing on the UK’s 30 most popular helmets, funded by The Road Safety Trust, revealed significant differences in performance with no link between the price of a helmet and the level of safety it provides the wearer. So, for example a helmet costing £130 did not necessarily perform better in tests than one costing £40.
Lead author for the research, Dr Claire Baker, from Imperial’s Dyson School of Design Engineering, said:
“Until now, there has been limited information about how well cyclists can expect their helmet to protect them during head impact. This is because current safety standards are simply pass/fail and only test direct impact sustained during straight-on head impact. However, evidence from previous studies is that lasting brain damage occurs in more serious impacts or when the head undergoes rapid rotations during an impact.”
“Interestingly, we found no correlation between price and protection, with the highest-performing helmet being one of the less expensive, retailing at around £50. Our new ratings give consumers objective, evidence-based data to support their buying decisions.”
The team tested 30 of the most popular adult helmets on the market. Luke Griggs, Chief Executive of Headway - the brain injury association said “By making the decision to wear a helmet, cyclists are immediately taking affirmative action to increase their safety. But choosing the right helmet that offers the right level of protection at an affordable price is not always easy.
“This new rating scheme, based on thorough independent research, will provide invaluable insight and assistance to help people choose the right helmet for them and, in turn, hopefully reduce the number of people sustaining preventable brain injuries through cycling.”
You can access the results of this testing here.
