No link between price and protection offered by cycle helmets

Cyclists can now make more informed decisions about their helmet purchases, thanks to a new safety rating system developed by researchers at Imperial College London. The system, known as Hiper, provides a simple 0-5 rating to assess the protection offered by different helmets.

The research, funded by The Road Safety Trust, involved testing 30 of the most popular adult helmets on the market in the UK. Surprisingly, the study found no direct correlation between the price of a helmet and its level of protection. A £40 helmet, for example, performed as well as a £130 model.

The Hiper rating system considers both direct impact and rotational forces, which can cause serious brain injuries. By assessing these factors, the researchers aim to provide a more comprehensive measure of a helmet’s safety performance.

Dr. Claire Baker, lead author of the study, said: “Until now, there has been limited information about how well cyclists can expect their helmet to protect them during head impact. Our new ratings give consumers objective, evidence-based data to support their buying decisions.”

The researchers plan to expand the Hiper rating system to include children’s helmets in the future.