No, it is not compulsory and it will not happen any time soon. A bicycle helmet is not mandatory in the Netherlands, but it is recommended. Yet research has shown that making bicycle helmets mandatory for general public health has the opposite effect. With a helmet obligation, cyclists appear to be more likely to exchange the bicycle for alternative transport and therefore to move less. From the research it also appears that motorists have a little more respect and are more careful for cyclists without a helmet than for cyclists with a helmet.
cheap or expensive doesn't matter
A helmet with a quality mark is safe, regardless of the price. The helmet itself is highly recommended today in terms of safety standards, at least if you buy a helmet in Europe, because they all meet the European CE standard. Whether you buy a copy of 10 euros or an exclusive model of 500 euros, it doesn't matter. The EN1078 quality mark applies to adults, EN1080 for children. There are two exceptions. One, the helmets for the so-called Speedpedelecs, the electric bicycles with speeds up to 40 km per hour, must comply with the NTA8776 inspection. They are designed for falls at a higher speed and offer more protection to the temples and the back of the head.
replace the helmet in time
When you have had a serious crash with the helmet, the helmet really needs to be replaced. After taking a hard blow, the interior (EPS foam) is dented and can no longer absorb a second blow. Always buy a new helmet after a heavy blow. The advice is to replace a helmet anyway after a few years because UV radiation from the sun affects the material. Never buy a second-hand helmet. Damage in the interior is not visible.
