Holidaymakers have been warned that not following cycling rules whilst abroad could see them slapped with a hefty fine or even jail time.
Cycling with a helmet on is recommended by the Highway Code in the UK, even though it's not a legal requirement.
It can help to keep you safe if you get in an accident, but ultimately it's up to each individual person whether it's worn or not.
But in other countries, the rules may be slightly different, and cyclists could be punished for not following them.
To help people stay on the right side of the law and avoid any related fines, Legal Team Leader at Cycle SOS, Lena Farnell, has shared what the current law is on wearing cycling helmets in the UK.
She has also revealed which countries Brits could face penalties in for not wearing one.
What is the law on wearing a helmet when cycling in the UK?
Lena said: "It is not a legal requirement to wear a helmet when cycling in the UK.
"However, the highway code suggests that cyclists should wear one."
Why is it recommended that helmets are worn?
There's plenty of evidence to suggests that wearing helmets can improve safety when riding a bike.
Lena explained: "A major study by the Institute of Transport Economics concluded that the use of bicycle helmets was found to reduce head injury by 48%, serious head injury by 60%, traumatic brain injury by 53%, face injury by 23%, and the total number of killed or seriously injured cyclists by 34%.
"We would therefore strongly recommend that cyclists wear a helmet for their own safety."
What is the law on wearing a helmet when cycling abroad?
The laws on wearing helmets while cycling abroad can vary from country to country.
Lena said: "Cyclists are legally required to wear a helmet in: Cyprus, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Costa Rica, Japan, Uruguay, Argentina, and Namibia.
"Cyclists in New Zealand could be fined $55 for not wearing a helmet, which has been mandatory since 1994, whilst penalties vary in Australian states, with a fine setting you back $349 in New South Wales.
"Cyclists in Cyprus caught not wearing a helmet will face a fine of €50 whilst you can expect to receive a fine of approximately ¢110.729 in Costa Rica for the same reason.
"Singapore appears to take the toughest stance on wearing helmets whilst cycling. When riding on roads in Singapore, if you’re found to be cycling without a helmet on, you can be fined up to $1,000 and/or jailed for up to three months upon conviction of the first offence.
"Interestingly, Japan will not be fining those who breach the law, in a bid to reduce the socioeconomic impact of bicycle helmet fines, as well as preventing people from being discouraged to cycle if they do not have a helmet with them when they want to cycle."
Can I make a claim if I was injured whilst cycling in the UK, and not wearing a helmet?
In some cases yes, but it all depends on the nature of the accident.
Lena explained: "You are entitled to make a claim for compensation if you have been injured whilst cycling at fault of another road user. However, the defendant may argue ‘contributory negligence’ since you are partly liable for your own injuries by not choosing to wear a helmet. This could reduce the amount of compensation that you are expected to receive."
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