Bicycle riders must wear an approved helmet securely fitted and fastened. This includes children on bikes with training wheels and any child being carried as a passenger or in a bicycle trailer.

Research shows helmets can reduce serious head injuries by about 70% and reduce fatal head injuries by 65%. 

In NSW and Victoria, an approved bicycle helmet must comply with one of the following Australian or overseas standards:

• Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2063:2008 Bicycle helmets; or
• Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2063:2020, Helmets for use on bicycles and wheeled recreational devices; or
• European Standard EN 1078:2012+A1:2012, Helmets for pedal cyclists and for users of skateboards and roller skates; or
• Snell B-95, 1995 Bicycle Helmet Standard, 1998 revision Standard for Protective Headgear for Use in Bicycling; or
• American Society for Testing and Materials Standard ASTM F1447:2018, Standard Specification for Helmets Used in Recreational Bicycling or Roller Skating; or
• Consumer Product Safety Commission (16 C.F.R. Part 1203), Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets

All helmets must have an identifying mark certifying compliance with one of the standards listed above. They must also be in good repair and proper working order and condition.

Always replace your helmet if it has been dropped on a hard surface or been in a crash. Replace it if you see any cracks in the foam or if the straps are worn/frayed.

Don’t wear any caps or hats under your helmet. Doing so compromises the fit and safety of the helmet, as the hat or cap can push the helmet higher on your head, which can expose your skull in a fall or crash.

You should choose a bright colour helmet to help other road users see you.

Road helmets are lightweight, aerodynamic helmets designed mainly for cycling on paved roads. 

They often feature extensive ventilation for cooling during long rides, an elongated shape to reduce drag, and minimal coverage around the back of the head. 

These helmets prioritise low weight, airflow and performance for highspeed riding.

Mountain bike helmets (MTB helmets) are engineered for offroad cycling, providing greater protection for the back and sides of the head than road helmets. 

They often include a visor to shield the eyes from sun, debris, and low-hanging branches. 

MTB helmets are built to withstand impacts common in trail, enduro, and downhill riding environments and usually have robust shell construction with wider coverage.

General helmets (also called recreational or commuter helmets) are versatile, all-purpose helmets suitable for casual riding, commuting, and everyday use. 

They offer balanced protection, comfort, and durability with moderate ventilation and a straightforward design. 

These helmets are usually more affordable and meet the basic safety standards required for regular urban or leisure cycling.

Full-face helmets provide greater protection for the entire head, including the chin and jaw, using an integrated chin bar. 

They are commonly used for downhill mountain biking, BMX racing, and high-risk cycling disciplines where riders face greater crash forces or high-speed impacts. 

These helmets prioritise maximum protection, though they are heavier and less ventilated than open-face designs.

Child helmets are specially designed to fit the smaller head sizes and unique head shapes of young riders. 

They provide enhanced coverage and stability at lower speeds and often come with fun colours or graphics to encourage use. 

Child helmets may also have additional safety features such as extended rear coverage or integrated visors. 

They are required to meet the same safety standards as adult helmets but are tailored for comfort and usability for kids.

Wheeled recreational device helmets are designed for activities such as skateboarding, scootering, inline skating, and roller skating. 

These helmets often feature a round, smooth shell with extended coverage at the back of the head to protect against falls common in these activities. 

They are built for multi-impact protection from lower height falls and usually prioritise durability over ventilation. 

Their design helps protect against repeated knocks and impacts that occur during tricks, stunts, and low speed crashes.