Folding cycle helmets: Far from an open and shut case

The scientific case for cycle helmets remains unproven, but the appetite for new designs remains undiminished – a fact borne out by the success of a new folding design called the FEND.

Folding cycle helmets

To those who choose to wear head protection, FEND folding cycle helmets offer a few advantages over a conventional lid. Its design offers the same degree of ventilation as the the ‘hairnet’ helmets worn by road racers of old and it collapses to one third its size for easy storage. The FEND folding cycle helmets can be can be pre-ordered here.

In countries with the highest levels of cycling very few people wear helmets , but elsewhere much debate surrounds their use. Despite a dramatic increase in the number of cyclists who wear helmets in Britain, the number of head injuries sustained has not declined – one of a number of fascinating statistics examined at cyclehelmets.org

As a cycle insurer, the ETA is sometimes asked why it stands against any move to make the wearing of cycle helmets mandatory. It’s a hard question to answer quickly and perhaps the quickest way is to quote Chris Boardman, who says that in the top ten things to keep cyclists safe, helmets do not feature. Certainly, we’ll accept that arguments questioning the wearing of cycle helmets can seem counter-intuitive and many will be surprised that the issue remains controversial. However, as evidenced by the data laid out at cyclehelmets.org, cycling safety is a complex issue where best evidence sometimes conflicts with received opinion. Key considerations about risk when cycling, what influences cycling safety and the inter-relationships between safety interventions, cycle use, behaviour and health (both individual and public) are often poorly understood. In particular, opinions as to whether cycle helmets are an appropriate, proportionate or effective intervention are often dominated by emotion and expressed with exaggeration.

One outcome of the emphasis placed on cycle helmets and head injuries has been to frame cycling as an inherently hazardous activity, with a high risk of head injury. In fact, this is untrue. Everyday cycling, like walking, is a low-risk activity. We don’t believe that pedestrians should be compelled to wear helmets, either.

The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK’s most ethical provider.