Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Helmet laws

Friday Video: A Deep Dive on the Endless Debate Over Bike Helmets

Everything you need to know the next time someone asks you if you're "for or against" bike helmets.

Graphic: Still from Oh the Urbanity!

It's one of the most common — and frustrating — questions a bike advocate can get: are you pro- or anti-helmet?

So we were thrilled to see Montreal-based YouTuber Oh the Urbanity break down why the so-called "debate" over protective headgear is way more complicated than meets the eye, and why so often, it only distracts from much more important questions about unsafe infrastructure, inequitable and harmful enforcement, and the many different ways that people ride.

But if you really need to weigh the pros and cons of strapping one on for any individual ride you take — or supporting policies that require that your neighbors wear helmets by law — this one offers a solid round-up of research on how likely head protection is to actually protect you in common riding scenarios, and what trade-offs mandatory helmet policies have for communities writ large.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Tuesday’s Headlines Are in a Death Spiral

The worst-case scenario arrived for Philadelphia residents as draconian transit cuts took effect. Other cities could be next.

August 26, 2025

Op-Ed: A City Is Not A Cake

There's no recipe to building a great city. So why are so many zoning and road design policies written like there is — and how can loosening standards make cities less car dependent?

August 26, 2025

STREETSBLOG ABROAD: We’ll Never Have Paris … Unless We Start Rebuilding Our City Like The French Did

Où es-tu allée, Anne Hidalgo? Notre ville tourne vers vous ses yeux solitaires.

August 25, 2025

Bike Bus + Pop Up Lane = A Better Way To Get Back To School (And Advocate)

Miami residents are getting an arithmetic lesson in the power of pop-up infrastructure to multiply support for active transportation — by focusing on kids who need a safe, active way to get to school.

August 25, 2025

Monday’s Headlines Embrace all Options

E-bikes shouldn't have to share space with cars or take space away from pedal bikes. Instead, why not make cars cede more space to devices that could replace them?

August 25, 2025

How To Beat Bikelash and Unleash the Silent Majority Who Wants Livable Streets

"Bikelash" can sink a great project before it begins — even in the Netherlands. Here are eight ways to overcome it.

August 25, 2025
See all posts