Bringing my bike to Darwin - do I need a helmet?

[Mulger bill]

We
Only
Want
Social
Evils
Remedied
Acronym for the slogan of the temperance movement in early 20th century Australia.
Nowadays used as a descriptive for anyone who doesn't mind people enjoying themselves as long as it is by the (usually restrictive to the point of why bother) rules set by said wowser.

As Gumby observed, also used as a pejorative by groups who profit from the human misery caused by the fools who take their enjoyment to excess.

[WestcoastPete]

http://www.nt.gov.au/transport/ntroads/cycling/pdfs/BikeSafety.pdf

OK, i'm confused, i thought helmets were compulsory in every state. And the link lists under 'traffic infringements', 'riding without helmet securely fastened'. So are helmets mandatory in the territory or not?

Like the link says; you must wear a helmet if you ride on the road. It also says you can ride your bike on the footpath. That means that if you stick to the footpath, you don't legally have to wear a helmet (even if you are more likely to be hit by a car).

[arkle]

This is an interesting short film about cycling with and without a helmet in Darwin.



arkle

[Thoglette]

Last weekend one of our riders had his life saved wearing his helmet on the weekend group ride.
...Pretty simple choice really.

Yup, if you're riding in a group ride at speed. One of the most dangerous things one can do on a bicycle.

Now, back to the original question....

Having been in Darwin a bit lately I can categorically state group rides are NOT what riding in Darwin is about. It is as close to the Copenhagen experience as I've seen in Oz. Rottnest in the city, even.

I certainly would NOT hit the Stuart Hwy (or the other major roads) without a helmet. But the real point is: I wouldn't need to.

It appears that there's a shared path or quite back street to everywhere here. Well, almost.

It is also abundantly clear whatever helmet laws may exist in NT they are almost completely ignored in central Darwin. By everyone.

Lycra, cleats and carbon are also refreshingly thin on the ground. It's singlets, shorts, skits and sandels. Plus shopping.

[poohkies]

After living in Darwin for 15 years I purchased my first helmet 2 months Ago, Only cause I was going on group rides and started riding on the road from the airport to palmy. I believe it's also over the ago of 16 you don't need to ware a helmet as long as u stick to the photo path. And as others have said the paths up here are pretty dam good! Last accident involving a bicyclist and a car was horiffic, no one understands what happened but the rider road into an on coming car doing 80

[darkelf921]

Darwin's shared cycle/pedestrian tracks are pretty good. There are speed limits of 20kph on these paths, however it is very rare to see the signs.

NT laws state you must wear a helmet. However, as stated, everyone including the police ignore this law. When I'm riding in Darwin (yesterday) I would estimate maybe 10% of riders wear a helmet. However most non helmet wearers are simply commuting and riding at about 18kph.

I personally think they're nuts and they should all wear a helmet but I hope it answers your question?

[poohkies]

On my ride out to Palmerston on the bike track along the high way and then behind pinelands, I don't think i've seen anyone with out a helmet,

[sandman]

I ride in Alice, if I turn up at the coffee shop on my Fixie without a helmet, I get lectured . For the first time ever at the Masters games a few weeks ago, all helmets were checked for Aus/Nz stickers