Are Bicycle Helmets Mandatory in India: Laws for Safe Bicycling? | Spoke Herd India | Events / Rides / Shop / SpokePedia / Rentals / Marketplace
Spoke Herd Logo
Hello!
Share

3 min read

Are Bicycle Helmets Mandatory in India: Laws for Safe Bicycling?

It is important to wear helmets made with good quality material and structure while cycling in India. The laws under the Indian Government do not have many sections for bicycling safety. So, you should follow the regular traffic safety and two-wheeler helmet safety rules while going on biking trips in India.

Are Bicycle Helmets Mandatory in India: Laws for Safe Bicycling?
Written by Editorial

People take different modes of travel for regular transport and touring in different areas. Some, like cars, are safe to travel in practically any location. On the other hand, bicycles are easy to use and better for specific terrains.

For example, if you are travelling through a hilly or narrow area with no car entry, bicycles are suitable for navigating through such routes.


However, when it comes to cars vs. bicycles, people are at a higher risk of getting injuries since they are not inside a closed protective box. So, you need to know the proper safety laws, like wearing bicycle helmets for travelling. You can find high-quality bikes and helmets in SpokeHerd stores for guaranteed top-range protection.


What are the regulations in place for that in India? In this article, that is the main point of discussion.



Common Risk Factors for Cyclists in India

Particular factors make it difficult to cycle safely throughout India. Here are the common issues most people face.


For the safest bicycling experience, it is essential to have specialized lanes dedicated to cyclists. Unfortunately, while such cycle tracks are prevalent in some countries, all states of India do not have such facilities.


There are some areas with good cyclist-friendly lanes in India. However, they are not always well lit. In addition, other vehicles and people also travel through the routes. This makes it risky for cyclists to travel through the tracks safely.


Indeed, there are some areas in India with cycling tracks. With other participants in the SpokeHerd Community, you can travel through them after getting th best vehicles like tandem bikes or MTRs from their store. Yet, the tracks are not always well-maintained and often end mid-way. This causes safety concerns.


With a high population, travelling through Indian roads involves more jams and congested roadways. So, many switch lanes, overspeed, or drive on the wrong track often. This can lead to accidents for cyclists.


Law for wearing helmets on two-wheelers in India

There are not many specific regulations in place regarding bicycle helmets specifically, though. Yet, the ones for motorcycle helmets are suitable to remember and follow. So, it is safe to know those rules.

People travelling on two-wheelers in a public area must wear safety helmets, as per the Indian Government's Section 129 Law under the 1988 Motor Vehicle Act. Nonetheless, here, only people of the Sikh community get an exemption due to their turbans.

Additionally, under Section 177, a regulation holds riders without helmets accountable. They have to pay specific acceptable amounts for these offenses.



Structure of Safe Helmets for Cycling

In India, there are rules for safety while riding a two-wheeler, like a bicycle. They are mainly regarding its build.


It is dictated that the safety helmet should have a protective build that covers the whole head and half of the face. In addition, the structure should be made with solid materials for better protection in case of impact. At SpokeHerd Community stores for cyclists, stable, well-constructed helmets are available for purchase.


As dictated by the Bureau of Indian Standards or BIS, new standards are in place to avoid sub-standard helmet usage. The new highest weight limit for helmets is 1.2 kg for two-wheeler riders. Cyclists should use helmets with lesser weight.


It is essential to wear a helmet that fastens appropriately to the head of the cyclist or ride. Straps and other such fasteners grip the helmet in place in case of any impact. You would get a wide variety of fastening choices from SpokeHerd’s collection and have a safe cycling experience.


Use helmets that are marked as BIS tested. The evaluation methods here include different tests like impact absorption and temperature/climate compatibility. At the SpokeHerd store for cycling paraphernalia, most such available equipment is well tested, per BIS standards.


Steps for Safe Bicycling Experience

You can take some steps to have a safe and protected biking experience through India.


Helmet is essential

One of the primary rules for bicycle safety that is important to follow is wearing helmets. This is especially important while cycling through highways or roads with heavy traffic. You can find well-designed and full helmets at the new SpokeHerd Community stores. They are available in different fittings and designs.

It would be best to take more precautions besides investing in helmets for best cycling road safety.


Safety lights

Besides wearing the helmet, you should purchase and use good safety night lights from the SpokeHerd store. This is critical for improving visibility during cycling in India.


Wear protective coverings like reflective vests

While travelling with other cyclists on SpokeHerd-organized races or biking to a nearby place, you should wear reflective jackets. Especially at night, these jackets bright up under the lights, making it easier for drivers to detect cyclists in the dark. For the best quality products, you can check the store of SpokeHerd Community.


Traffic rule is mandatory to follow 

It is crucial for every traveler, whether riding on bicycles during their SpokeHerd cycling tours or while driving cars, to follow the traffic rules properly. Accidents are common nears signals when people speed before the lights turn green. So, it would be best if you waited for some time first.


Conclusion

It is important to wear helmets made with good quality material and structure while cycling in India. The laws under the Indian Government do not have many sections for bicycling safety. So, you should follow the regular traffic safety and two-wheeler helmet safety rules while going on biking trips in India. 

Read More