Filenews 1 February 2023
New legislation obliging cyclists and bicycle passengers to wear a safety helmet enters into force today.
The legislation was passed after a proposal for a law by MP Chryssis Pantelidis and was given an extension of several months for adjustment until it came into force. According to a notification by the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles, cyclists should wear a specific type of protective helmet, which should comply with the CYS EN 1078:2012+A1 standard, explicitly state that it is intended at least for cyclists and bear the marking of Declaration of Conformity: CE.
It is also specified that alternatively, for young children up to 14 years old, the type of protective helmet for cyclists and bicycle passengers, should comply with the standard CYS EN 1080: 2013 and bear the marking of Declaration of Conformity: CE. As of today, the Police will carry out traffic checks, as well as complaints of relevant violations, with the aim of implementing and complying with the provisions of the legislation on the use of a protective helmet by cyclists and bicycle passengers. In case of commission of the offence and conviction, the offender will be subject to a fine not exceeding €500. The offence, however, is settled out of court with the amount of €50.
Information from "F" states that the Police at least for a while, where they detect a cyclist not wearing his helmet, will advise him to do so, since it is proven that he can save his life in the event of an accident. As reported to us by the Traffic Police, in case of a fall of the cyclist it is easy for him to be injured in the head. But if he wears his helmet, then this will protect him. Especially with the way we drive in Cyprus between vehicles, it is easier to have a collision resulting in the cyclist being more at risk of injury.
Last year, four cyclists and one e-scooter driver lost their lives. No one brought his helmet.
There have also been reactions to the implementation of the new legislation on the part of those who drive mopeds, because they believe that the use of a helmet will further restrict the use of bicycles, because some will avoid moving or exercising by this means.
The use of a helmet is also mandatory for electric scooter drivers, however few have complied to date, resulting in several out-of-court issues to offenders.
