In a not-so-distant time, cycling without a helmet was viewed as a reckless act, a lack of awareness even during leisurely rides in parks or bike paths.
In Brazil, the inclusion of mandatory helmet use was left out of the 1998 Brazilian Traffic Code reform, and even in developed countries, the requirement for helmet use is discreet. In Australia, the mandate has been in place since 1989, and in New Zealand since 2003. In the United States, legislation varies from state to state, while in Japan, the requirement for those under 13 was established in 2008. However, it is crucial to emphasize that helmets, designed to absorb impacts in bicycle falls, should not be used on motorized vehicles such as jet skis, ATVs, mopeds, among others.
Evolution of Helmets: From Hairnets to Mandatory Competition Use
The first helmet models date back to the early 20th century, made of leather. However, until the 1970s, professional cyclists rejected their use, citing discomfort, excessive weight, and loss of aerodynamics as reasons for not adopting protection.
Known as “hairnets” because they resembled hairnets, these early helmets consisted of wide leather straps padded with fabric or other soft material inside, providing little protection.
In 1975, Bell introduced the Biker, its first model for cyclists, made of Styrene. Accident prevention campaigns gained prominence in the United States, especially focused on child safety, and helmets began to gain popularity.
Innovating in 1983, Bell introduced the first helmet made of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), the Bell V1 Pro, similar to modern designs, with large ventilation openings. The Giro Prolight, for example, showcased the EPS and was covered by a stretch fabric shell. In 1986, Belgian cyclist Michael Vaarten became the first world champion to wear a helmet.
However, even with these innovations, it was rare to see protected heads in the professional cycling peloton around the world.
The UCI’s first attempt to make helmets mandatory occurred in 1991, resulting in a strike during that year’s Paris-Nice. The resistance from cyclists led the UCI to backtrack on the requirement. Effective changes began in 2003, following the tragic death of cyclist Andrei Kivilev during the second stage of the Paris-Nice. In the same year, the UCI decreed the mandate, and the Giro d’Italia was the first competition where cyclists had to use protection, although riding without a helmet was still allowed in the last five kilometers of uphill finishes. Shortly after, regulations mandated helmet use throughout the entire course of any competition under UCI auspices.
