To mark the publication of our study on mandatory bicycle helmet use among adults, we spoke with Thierry, founder of the media outlet En-velo-simone.fr. He discusses the key findings of this survey, including rising concerns about road safety, an increased perception of risk with the growth of e-bikes, the debate between personal protection and freedom to ride, and the need to ensure that equipment is not used as a substitute for safe, continuous, and appropriate cycling infrastructure.
Question 1: What led you at En-velo-simone.fr to launch this study on mandatory helmet use for adults, and why did you choose to distinguish between “traditional” bicycles and electric-assist bicycles (e-bikes)?
In my day-to-day experience, I’ve noticed that many cyclists already wear helmets on their own initiative, which is excellent. But with the surge in cycling, I also see dangerous behavior on the road far too often. The debate over helmets keeps coming up in the cycling community and divides opinion: there are those in favor of a mandate and those who advocate for freedom of choice. Recent statements by a minister finally convinced us to launch this survey to get a clear picture of public opinion.
As for distinguishing between regular bikes and e-bikes, we felt this was essential: at 25 km/h, speed changes everything, and the impact in the event of a collision is far more severe.
“Regulations must not be used as a smokescreen for government inaction: the future of bicycle safety will depend first and foremost on the creation of real cycling infrastructure.”
Thierry
Founder of the media outlet En-velo-simone.fr
Question 2: The study shows very broad support for the principle of a mandatory requirement, which is even more pronounced for e-bikes (with a high percentage of respondents who are “strongly in favor”). How do you interpret this finding: Do you think it reflects a new way in which the French perceive risk, speed, or the “normalization” of cycling in everyday life?
These figures indicate a genuine shift in awareness, but I think we need to analyze them with some perspective. For many, helmets are seen as a magic solution to reducing injuries. However, this view obscures the real problem: the danger posed by infrastructure that is often poorly designed or neglected. Furthermore, some cyclists fear that a strict law might ultimately discourage people from cycling, which would be detrimental. It is therefore a complex balancing act between immediate protection and the freedom to ride.
Question 3: Based on these results, what implications do you see for the coming years—in terms of education, regulations, and, more broadly, the acceptance of safety equipment (helmets, visibility, insurance)—as the number of bicycles and e-bikes continues to grow?
Regulations must not serve as a smokescreen for public inaction. Helmets protect the head in the event of a fall, but they do not prevent accidents. Our previous surveys have already shown that a majority of cyclists do not feel safe on the road.
The future of bicycle safety will depend first and foremost on real infrastructure improvements: continuous, well-maintained bike lanes that are physically separated from cars and pedestrians. It is infrastructure that makes cycling safe, long before any equipment does.