More than 40% of cyclists in Switzerland do not wear helmets, according to BFA, a safety advisory group.

In 2022, 44% of riders of regular bicycles did not wear head protection, a figure 1 percentage point higher than in 2021, said the report.
The figure for riders of e-bikes was lower but displayed a similar slightly negative trend. In 2022, 32% of e-bike riders on bikes powered to a maximum of 25 km/h failed to wear a helmet, compared to 30% in 2021. The rate was lower for those on faster e-bikes. Only 9% of riders on bikes powered to a maximum of 45 km/h failed to don a helmet. The same figure last year was 7%.
Today, it is very unusual for anyone to travel in the front seat of a car without a seatbelt or to see a motorcyclist without a helmet. However, unprotected cyclists are easy to find.
The high rates of unprotected heads on bikes in Switzerland is puzzling given the significant number of bicycle accidents. In 2021, around 1,400 cyclists (e- and regular) were seriously or mortally injured on Swiss roads. Between 2011 and 2021, the risk of dying on regular bicycle was 12 times the risk of dying in a car accident.
For riders of e-bikes powered to 45 km/h helmets are compulsory in Switzerland. For regular bikes and slower e-bikes there is no legal requirement.
More on this:
BFA article (in French) – Take a 5 minute French test now
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Lynx says
After having had so many near misses with cyclists at night with no lights, or on public footpaths as they whizz past from behind with no warning, I think all cyclists should have – helmets, reflective clothing, personal insurance, eye tests (many seem to be colour blind and see red lights as green), regular cycling tests (not just one at school) and bikes should have – road tax (same as for a small car), bike insurance, an annual MOT (bike roadworthy test), good brakes / tyres, lights on all the time when riding. Indicators would be handy too, but they would not use them. Plus serious fines to deter rule breakers. I once asked the police if there were any rules for cyclists, as there didn’t seem to be any. He said there are not enough police to enforce them.
Adrian says
Why not implement a law that all e-bike riders to use the helmet to be compulsory for road safety.
Martin says
What about the risk with and without the helmet?
Diane says
My son in law spent weeks between life and death a few years ago. Gone to a party on bikes. Still don’t know if he had a stroke, wiggled handlebars or simply fell. Within a few days all of their friends had bought helmets and continue to wear them.
Please note it is important to update your helmet every couple of years as they change so much.
Please, please, wear a helmet.
Stephen Clothier says
It is only a matter of time before the inevitable of the nanny state direction of motion happens and helmets must be worn on all moving contraptions – bikes, skateboards, scooters, skis and snowboards and maybe even pushchairs and wheelchairs. We already require lights on normal bikes with electric assist motors that cut out at below 25km/hour which is slower than most unassisted bike riders peddle.- even out on a distant mountain.