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Taking AUS certified helmet over to Europe

Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2011 3:58 pm
by elStado
Hi all.

I had an accident about 2 months ago and I was given a payout for the liable driver to cover replacement of helmet and other repairs. The helmet I was wearing is not visibly damaged, but I was advised to replace it regardless as there might be non-visible cracks in it. I am also hoping to do a expansive tour next year around Scandinavia and possibly other countries in central/western Europe.

Here's the thing, do I buy a decent helmet that is AUS certified and take that over with me to Europe? Will this possibly be an issue if I am injured and need compensation, but am not wearing a helmet that is not Euro certified? I understand that all (?) European countries do not have mandatory helmet laws (except for the UK). So I assume that since a helmet is optional it shouldn't be an issue for insurance in the instance of an accident if it has the AUS sticker on it?

I don't want a debate on helmets, but we'll be riding at speeds for around 20-25km/ph on average on roads and paths while touring, and I'll also be doing day rides and tours without the load so I'll be riding a bit faster, so it would make sense to take a helmet over with me? Do people touring in Europe from Aus usually wear a helmet when travelling through these countries at these speeds?

So, should I get a AUS certified helmet now and..
a. ..take it over with me?
b. ..get another EU certified helmet when I go over?
c. ..leave it behind when I go to Europe and just enjoy the freedom of choice over there?

Re: Taking AUS certified helmet over to Europe

Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2011 12:02 pm
by il padrone
No European country has any universal MHL for cyclists. UK has none; Sweden (check this one), Finland and Iceland (?) have laws that are for under 16 I believe; Spain has a minimally-enforced law that only applies outside towns... and when it's not too hot... and not on steep climbs :lol:

Take\ing your Australian helmet, you should have no worries about its certification. Many touring cyclists who go to Europe wear a helmet, but lots of them wind up deciding they really don't need to wear it all the time. So do:

d. take it with you AND just enjoy the freedom of choice


Hope it's a great trip when you do it.

Re: Taking AUS certified helmet over to Europe

Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2011 12:20 pm
by damhooligan
elStado wrote: So, should I get a AUS certified helmet now and..
a. ..take it over with me?
b. ..get another EU certified helmet when I go over?
c. ..leave it behind when I go to Europe and just enjoy the freedom of choice over there?
a, Yes. , this is your best option.
b, you could , but then you can't use your helmet here, a bit of waste of money, unless you want it as a souvenire..
c, but what if you do wanna use it?, you have to take option b.

Just buy a aus certified helmet, so you can use it here, and in europe. 8)

Re: Taking AUS certified helmet over to Europe

Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2011 3:57 pm
by CommuRider
I would watch out for a Euro cool, Italian designed helmet. It would be a nice souvenir but probably useless when you bring it back here. And anyway, if you have the $$$$ you can get a whole new wardrobe on your Euro trip. Bring an empty luggage with you and fill it with Euro goodies on your way home. The stuff they sell over there will be hard to buy over here. Or tres cher.

Re: Taking AUS certified helmet over to Europe

Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2011 4:02 pm
by elStado
I always thought that the UK had a mandatory helmet law? Anyway sounds like a plan, I'll get myself a new AUS helmet and take it over with me so I can use it if needed.

Should be a good trip. The haredst part is planning when to go, and for how long. :D

Not sure if I'll be coming back either if I can get a job and find a cheap place to live.

Re: Taking AUS certified helmet over to Europe

Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2011 4:04 pm
by elStado
CommuRider wrote:I would watch out for a Euro cool, Italian designed helmet. It would be a nice souvenir but probably useless when you bring it back here. And anyway, if you have the $$$$ you can get a whole new wardrobe on your Euro trip. Bring an empty luggage with you and fill it with Euro goodies on your way home. The stuff they sell over there will be hard to buy over here. Or tres cher.
I'll either be wearing MTB baggies + ground effect LS jerseys, or civvies. No interest in poser Euro cool outfits. I'm a practical and value for money kinda guy.