This is a bit embarrassing to admit, but I’ve been in three traffic accidents while riding my bike, all of which resulted in a trip to the hospital by ambulance. In each case, it was a collision with a car or motorcycle. Fortunately, my physical injuries weren’t too severe, but each time I fell, I hit my head—leaving me feeling like one of those cartoon characters with birds chirping around their head—so I went to the hospital just in case.
Humans have heavy heads, so even if you try to tuck and roll when you’re thrown from the saddle, your head still tends to hit the ground. That’s where a helmet comes in to protect you. Its importance cannot be overstated. Everyone, please wear a helmet.
Helmet use is now mandatory
With the amendment to the Road Traffic Act, wearing a helmet while cycling became a duty of endeavor as of April 1st this year. This "duty of endeavor" feels like a transition period before it becomes fully mandatory.
The bicycle industry has seen a special demand for helmets, and the impact is significant, with products from various manufacturers becoming difficult to obtain.
As I wrote earlier, I understand the importance of helmets firsthand, and I’m sure those of you who use Circles are already wearing them diligently. Even so, I cannot wholeheartedly support this mandate.
The reason is that bicycles might stop being a casual mode of transportation, and we risk seeing a decline in riders. According to a survey by a marketing firm, about 30% of people said they would "not ride a bike if helmets were made mandatory."
For those of us who love cycling, bikes are a special part of our lives, but in Japan—a land of "mamachari" (city bikes)—there are many more casual users. The sentiment of, "If I wear a helmet, my hair will get messed up, so I’ll just take the train," or "Helmets aren't cool, I don't want to wear one," is something I remember feeling well back in my student days.
I called them light users, but in reality, they are heavy users who rely on bikes every day for commuting to school or work, and they represent the demographic that shapes Japan’s unique cycling culture. If the system reaches a point where you might get stopped by the police for not wearing a helmet just to go to the store down the street, can we really call the bicycle a casual and free mode of transport?
Isn't there more that can be done?
A helmet protects you when an accident happens; it doesn't prevent the accident itself. No matter how much protective gear you wear, the cyclist will always suffer physical damage in a collision with a car. Instead of binding users with more rules and penalties, I want the authorities to create an environment where these measures aren't necessary. In my own accidents, the other party was largely at fault, such as when they opened a car door into traffic. For instance, if there had been a protected bike lane separated from the car lanes, I might never have needed that ambulance.
What is the ideal cycling environment?
The ideal is a tool that anyone can use freely and easily: hop on, ride safely, and park right in front of your destination. To realize that ideal, it’s important to participate in society and politics through voting and to share our message through initiatives like Critical Mass. Let’s take it one step at a time, doing what we can. Let’s claim our freedom.
Miyata-kun has written more specifically about the helmet mandate with reference to various materials, so please give that article a read as well.
What kind of helmet should I get?
It would be great if wearing a helmet was optional, but everyone did it anyway. But what kind of helmet is actually good? Let's have Yanack from Circles 2F Tailored introduce some.
Monja: For example, if you're riding a Surly, All-City, or KONA bike with a basket as a daily commuter, what kind of helmet works well?
Yanase: Beyond the high-spec racing models, helmet manufacturers also offer more affordable, casual options. If you're not wearing full cycling kit, those models tend to match your style better, so I think they're a good choice. Let’s look at a few.
GIRO
Cormick Mips
¥13,200 (tax incl.)
KPLUS Ranger
¥16,500 (tax incl.)
POC
Omne Air WF MIPS- Asian Fit
Monja: Got it. That style with an Ultra Romance shirt and shorts is great. It's important not to see helmets just as a regulation, but to enjoy them as fashion.
Yanase: Exactly. You can even have fun coordinating them with a cap worn underneath. One thing to keep in mind is that head shapes vary quite a bit, so you should choose a shape and size that fits you properly. Trying it on in person is best, but we have an article on trying them on that explains it, so check that out.
Monja: Thanks!
With that said, I want to keep a close watch on how bicycle regulations and environmental improvements progress, and take action to help create an ideal environment. Let’s think about this together. And, of course, don’t forget to have fun.
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