LONDON: Cyclists may be wrong in assuming that wearing helmets makes them safer on the road, a recent study indicates. On the contrary, the risk of being knocked down by passing vehicles increases if the cyclist happens to wear a helmet.
Dr Ian Walker, traffic psychologist at the University of Bath, came uncomfortably close to a fatal accident twice during his study when he was struck by overtaking vehicles. He found motorists and other vehicle drivers driving closer to cyclists who wore helmets compared to cyclists who were bareheaded.
The fact that he was wearing a helmet in both the instances when he was struck, by a lorry and a bus, appear to underscore his findings. Drivers, regardless of the type of vehicle, drove an average of 8.5cm (3 1/3in) closer past the helmet-wearing cyclists.
Lorries were an average of 19cm (7.5in) closer while buses drove an average of 23cm or 9in closer. SUVs were not observed getting any closer compared to cars.
Walker had analysed over 2,500 overtakings recorded using a computer and ultrasonic distance sensor fitted on his bicycle.
The helmet on a biker's head conveys the perception that the cyclist is more experienced, Walker said. This causes the drivers to reduce the cyclist's safety margin – the room needed to safely negotiate traffic and maneuver obstacles on the road.
Drivers see such cyclists as less predictable “lycra-clad street warriors” and hence give them less road-space. Consequently, these cyclists find it more difficult dealing with road obstacles such as potholes and drain covers. This in turn, raises the risk of a collision or being struck by the overtaking vehicle, because the cyclist's own judgment is affected.
Walker clarified that “helmets are useful in low-speed falls” as they reduce the chances of injury. They also ensure the safety of children riding bikes.
The study was conducted on the streets of Salisbury and Bristol, UK and its findings are to be published in the journal 'Accident Analysis & Prevention'.
