Expected effects of a bicycle helmet law in Norway

Wearing a bicycle helmet is voluntary in Norway. This report discusses issues related to the potential introduction of mandatory bicycle helmet legislation. Relevant issues have been identified in a literature review and by analyzing injury data. A bicycle helmet law comprising all cyclists can be expected to reduce the incidence of head injury. The effects of a law on head injury will probably be largest for adult cyclists, in adverse conditions, and in single bicycle accidents. Mandatory bicycle helmet legislation may prevent 0.6-1.3 fatal injuries, 15-31 serious injuries, and 440-000 head injuries among cyclists in Norway per year. It is unlikely that a helmet law or increased voluntary helmet wearing will lead to more risky cyclist behavior. A law may reduce cycling, but any effect on the amount of cycling is likely to be temporary. A helmet wearing law may be inconvenient for bicycle sharing schemes and e-scooter renting schemes.