Protection given by a helmet for recreational activities goes a long way in preventing serious head injuries.
The recently published third edition of the Australian/New Zealand standard AS/NZS 2063:2020 Helmets for use on bicycles and wheeled recreational devices addresses these concerns.
The objective of the updated Australian/New Zealand standard is to provide lightweight helmets that protect against and reduce the severity of head injury from hazards associated with cycling, skateboarding, roller blading and other wheeled recreational activities.
When choosing a bike helmet, VicRoads advises:
- it fits firmly and comfortably on your head and cannot be tilted in any direction
- the straps can be adjusted so there is no slack when fastened
- it has a sticker showing it is safety approved and meets the Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2063
- it is marked with the symbol of a body accredited by the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JAS-ANZ), certifying compliance with AS/NZS 2063 (for helmets manufactured or imported from 1 July 2012). Read more here.
For information about children wearing bicycle helmets visit Helmet tips for parents & carers. See also Product Safety Australia advice about bicycle helmets.
A Consumers’ Federation of Australia representative is a member of the Standards Australia Technical Committee which developed the standard.
Interested in representing consumers? Find out more about representing CFA on a Standards Australia Technical Committee as part of the CFA Standards Project and/or contact standards@consumeraction.org.au.