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

[WestcoastPete]

http://www.nt.gov.au/transport/ntroads/ ... Safety.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

[Thoglette]

Well, time to wake the dead thread. Back up here again recently and finally had the time and energy to get one of the hire bikes. Lovely ride up to Nightcliff from the CBD and back.

I can report categorically that helmets are yuckier than a cap (even if I did obey the law and wear it while on the road), which still sucks compared to bare head. The path along Dick Ward Drive was wonderful and shows what can be done for very, very little money

[V17L]

The ride from the casino to the hospital, all along the coast on bike tracks/shared pedestrian walkways is magnificent. Early morning before the sun is up, or a ride home after work. Very relaxing if you take your time and "smell the roses".

The bike track out to the Howard Springs road is also a wonderful ride.