Helmets should be compulsory for cyclists says Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas
The Welshman winner was speaking to the Sunday Times Magazine when he suggested law should enforce riders to wear helmets

Tour de France 2018 winner Geraint Thomas says he believes helmets for cyclists should compulsory.
Thomas was speaking to the Sunday Times Magazine when he suggested that a compulsory helmet law would help keep cyclists safer.
The suggestion is contrary to the UK's biggest cycling entities, like charity Cycling UK, which has said there is "no justification for making helmet-wearing compulsory" and that a law could "undermine levels of cycle use."
>>> Government review considers forcing cyclists to wear hi-vis and helmets
“I would certainly make helmets compulsory,” Thomas said. “I always wear a helmet.
“I’ve put on a helmet more times than I’ve buckled a seatbelt.
“Helmets have come on a lot — well ventilated, not too hot, you don’t look stupid — no reason not to.”
Thomas later responded to the reaction to his comments on Twitter, saying the helmet issue is "nothing I've ever thought about."
While helmets have been compulsory for riders like Thomas in bike races since 2003, only two countries, Australia and New Zealand, require all cyclists to wear a helmet. Some other countries enforce helmets for children only.
The highway code in the UK doesn't demand helmet use, but recommends cyclists use one.
Critics of a mandatory helmet law like Chris Boardman, British Cycling policy advisor and Manchester cycling and walking commissioner, say that a law would predominantly do damage through a drop in cycling rates.
"All over the world, countries with the highest use of safety gear are the most dangerous for cyclists," Boardman wrote in 2017. "Wherever helmet use has been made compulsory, there has been no corresponding drop in head injury unless there is also a drop in cycling rates.
"About 110 people are killed each year while cycling on our roads, almost all of these resulting from a collision with a motor vehicle, where the protection offered by a cycling helmet is negligible.
"In the UK 1 in 6 deaths - nearly 90,000 per year - is as a result of physical inactivity related disease including diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Clearly, any measure proven beyond doubt to reduce peoples likelihood to travel by bike, will almost certainly kill more people than it saves."
In his interview, Welshman Thomas also said he had "never ridden a bike in London," but added that "I've watched from a taxi and it does seem a bit crazy. "
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
-
-
Giro d'Italia Live: riders climb Monte Lussari for penultimate stage mountain time trial; Geraint Thomas and Primož Roglič face-off for the pink jersey; Thibault Guernalec sets early quickest time
Thomas must defend 26-second lead over Roglič to win the Giro d'Italia
By Stephen Puddicombe • Last updated
-
British Cycling CEO says ‘fairness’ is the key driver for new transgender policy
According to Jon Dutton, ‘fairness’ key driving factor in competitive policy whereas ‘inclusivity’ the key principle in non-competitive policy
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Tweets of the week: Geraint Thomas has a happy birthday and Elisa Balsamo gets her unicorn back
Oh and Jumbo-Visma gets back into its Twitter account
By Adam Becket • Published
-
21 things you didn't know about Geraint Thomas
Rugby over football, Eminem, podcasts – oh, and some cycling stuff
By James Shrubsall • Published
-
Maindy Flyers CC say moving Cardiff velodrome risks them missing the next Geraint Thomas
Earlier this week, historic Welsh club where Geraint Thomas, Owain Doull and Elinor Barker started out released open letter detailing their opposition to relocation
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
CW LIVE: Wout van Aert and Shirin van Anrooij win cyclo-cross in Koksijde; Rapha unveil EF Education kits; Police search for two suspects in Mark Cavendish robbery; Paris-Nice route announced; Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas to ride Tour Down Under
All the latest in the world of cycling
By Tom Davidson • Last updated
-
Tweets of the week: Ineos Grenadiers' three wise men, team jersey déjà vu and World Cup celebrations by bike
Here's our social media round-up, featuring a cycling all-star nativity
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Geraint Thomas: 'I'm the best footballer at Ineos Grenadiers'
The Welsh cyclist shares his views on the World Cup, Arsenal's title chances and his own football skills
By Tom Davidson • Last updated
-
Geraint Thomas announces he will race in 2022 Commonwealth Games
The Welshman took to Twitter to reveal he will return to the event after failing to defend his road race title in 2018
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
Tom Pidcock and Geraint Thomas to make season debuts at Volta ao Algarve
David Gaudu, Remco Evenepoel and Tobias Foss will also race in Portugal from tomorrow
By Adam Becket • Published