Is wearing a helmet on a bicycle mandatory in Australia, New Zealand, elsewhere?

[Stefan Mikes]

As of 1st October 2026, Spain is introducing new bicycle related laws. These:

• Protect the cyclists by specific requirements for the drivers
• Forbid riding unsafely (wearing headphones, smartphones held in hand, other distractions)
• Require wearing a helmet:
  • On all bicycles in interurban areas
  • On delivery bikes/e-bikes in urban areas plus wearing a reflective vest.

My correspondents in Poland claim wearing a helmet is mandatory, i.e., in Australia and New Zealand.

• True or false?
• Is this law being observed?

Thank you for any response.

@Aushiker, @peterh_nz ?

 

[juggernaut1]

Yes mandatory in Western Australia, otherwise on the spot fines. I still see a few not wearing helmets, but otherwise very well complied with.

Google says mandatory in Australia since 1992. Must also comply with AS/NZS standards. FYI ebike riders must also be at least 16 years of age in WA.

 

[JGcycle]

It is mandatory to wear a helmet here in my province of New Brunswick, but not all Canadian provinces require a helmet when cycling.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

To my surprise, current California law requires only 2 groups to wear bicycle helmets: (1) Riders under age 18, and (2) riders of Class 3 ebikes. Group (1) also includes any passengers, maybe (2) as well.

Approved helmets are required, and they must be on the head and buckled. Many kids here apparently leave and return home with helmets on but carry them on their bikes in between.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Thank you guys for the information!

Poland has introduced the law for the minors (below 16-yo) to wear a helmet on a bicycle, e-scooter and or any Personal Transporter. Mostly obeyed.

What I liked to see yesterday: a boy riding an e-scooter legally limited to 20 km/h and wearing a helmet. It looks his parents really cared about the son!