The Lismore to Bentley leg of the Rail Trail is due to be completed this year, opening up the 30km Lismore to Casino cycle track and an expected boom in the number of bikes using the Rail Trail. Parents will be looking to buy new bikes and helmets or upgrade.

In an Australian-first, bicycle riders in NSW will be able to pick a helmet based on a simple safety rating from one to five stars.

Modelled on ANCAP safety ratings for motor vehicles, the Helmet STAR (Safety Testing and Assessment Ratings) will provide an easy-to-understand safety rating for new helmets based on comprehensive testing.

The first set of ratings proves helmet safety is not determined by price alone, with a $22 Bluey helmet for toddlers deemed the safest on the market in its category.   

Each helmet is impact tested at the NSW Crashlab where Transport for NSW technicians conduct examinations including vertical drops, a strap strength test, and drop tests with moving platforms. The helmet’s ability to protect the user’s head in each scenario is tested and a star rating assigned.

The new rating will provide bicycle riders, and parents buying a helmet for their child, with a clear  guide to the safest helmets available in their price range. Helmets tested include models specifically for skaters and foot scooter riders.

One star means the helmet “meets the crash protection required by recognised helmet standards” in Australia, while five stars means the helmet is “exceptional in crash protection and well above the recognised helmet standards.”

The first round of testing has been completed, with ratings for 61 helmets now publicly available in categories including mountain bike, road, recreational/skate, general and children’s helmets.

Helmets with price tags of $17 to $499 have been put under the microscope. The top-rated helmets in each category, with four or five-star ratings, are:

And while all helmets tested have met the Australian standard, these helmets are the lowliest performers, receiving a one-star rating:

The Helmet STAR program fulfills a coronial recommendation out of an inquest into the death of Sydney man James Roberts, who suffered head injuries following a bicycle crash and tragically passed away on the 11 February 2019.  

Mr Roberts was wearing a bicycle helmet that met the Australian Standard, but the NSW Coroner determined that Standard should be treated as a baseline minimum performance requirement and a new star rating system should be introduced to give people a more informed choice.

During the ten years from 2013 to 2022, there were an average of 794 crashes each year involving bicycle riders in NSW - or 5% of all crashes.

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) provides consumers with independent and transparent safety ratings for new light vehicles. These ratings assess the safety of new light vehicles based on the level of protection provided by different vehicle models in most crashes and the presence of safety features, helping consumers make informed decisions about which vehicles to purchase.

The launch of the Helmet STAR program for bicycle helmets joins a number of other rating programs that Transport for NSW already have available to consumers. These programs, include the MotoCAP program which provides ratings on motorcycle gear and the CREP program which provides ratings on children’s car seats. All of these star rated programs test products above and beyond the required legal standards and help consumers make the safest choices for their individual situations.

To view the ratings visit transport.nsw.gov.au/HelmetSTAR.

Minister for Roads John Graham said, "We’ve had star safety ratings for new cars since 1993 which has given people confidence that they’re purchasing a vehicle that will protect them and their family in a crash. In NSW, we also issue ratings for motorcycle safety gear, including helmets, and children’s car seats.

“It is good news for riders and parents that this new star rating program brings the same simplicity and peace of mind to bicycle helmets.

“By wearing a five-star rated helmet, you are two to two and a half times less likely to sustain a serious head injury than if you were wearing a one-star helmet. This puts the power of choice in the hands of consumers.” 

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen, “The price of a new helmet doesn't always indicate how safe it is. This new safety rating gives bike riders and parents the information they need to make an informed choice on what helmet is safest, and best for them. 

"All helmets sold in Australia do meet a minimum standard, and they are safe to use, but some have features and designs that make them even more safe in an incident.  

“This new program, launched by the NSW Government gives people that information in an easy to follow way. 

“Everyone should check out the Helmet STAR program and pick up the best helmet in their price range.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said, “We want people to have fun while cycling, scootering or skating, and know that their helmet provides the best crash protection they can afford.

“It’s important that safety rating information is available to people looking to purchase helmets, because the price of a helmet doesn’t relate to its safety.”

“This is another way the NSW Government is finding ways to keep people safer on our roads, but we can’t do it alone. When you’re cycling or using a scooter or skateboard, always wear a helmet – it could save your life.”