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

Monday’s Headlines Slow Down

Cities have proven measures they can put into place to slow down speeding drivers and save lives.

February 16, 2026

The New Uber-Backed Car Insurance ‘Reform’ Push Is Actually A War On Crash Victims

New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul wants to limit payouts to crash victims under the guise of "affordability" and bogus claims about "staged crashes."

February 13, 2026

Friday’s Headlines Are Full of Hot Air

They done done it, as we say in the South: The Trump administration's official policy now is that climate change poses no threat to human health.

February 13, 2026

Talking Headways Podcast: Concrete Doesn’t Spend Money, People Do

Dr. Lawrence Frank shows how the decisions we make about the built environment are a symbol of why the world is so f'd up. A very special edition of Talking Headways.

February 12, 2026

Why Does Trump Wants To Punish Cities For Free Buses?

Hint: it's probably not to make anyone's transportation network better!

February 12, 2026
See all posts