The Dutch Cyclists’ Union is fiercely opposed to helmets for cyclists because they reportedly give a false sense of security.

Also, the helmets are thought to discourage children from riding their bikes as they equate helmets with danger.

The Union says bicycle helmets are designed to protect the wearer against the impact of a fall from a stationary bicycle, in which the head hits the ground with a speed of 20 kph. The helmet provides little or no protection against the much more violent impact of a collision with a moving vehicle.

(gsh/imm)

© Radio Netherlands Worldwide