Published in the Official Gazette of the Republic on December 30, 2022, Notice of the Registrar of Motor Vehicles specifying the type of protective helmet to be worn by cyclists and bicycle passengers, properly fastened, in accordance with the Bicycle Traffic Regulation (Amendment) Law of 2022 (L. 135(I)/2022). The Notice is effective immediately from the date of publication.
It is recalled that, under Law No. 135(I)/2022, both cyclists and any passengers must, as a mandatory requirement, wear a properly fastened protective helmet. As of February 1, 2023, failure to comply with this obligation constitutes an offence. A cyclist or a passenger on a bicycle who fails to wear a properly fastened protective helmet commits an offence and, on conviction, is liable to a fine, and under the Exodal Regulation of Offences (Amendment) Act, 2022 (Act. 137(I)/2022), provides for the possibility of out-of-court regulation of the offence, with a fixed fine of €50.
The Notification specifies that the type of protective helmet for cyclists must comply with the CYS EN 1078:2012+A1 standard, explicitly state that it is intended at least for cyclists and be marked with a Declaration of Conformity: CE.[/B]
The Notification specifies that the type of protective helmet for cyclists must comply with the CYS EN 1078:2012+A1 standard, explicitly state that it is intended at least for cyclists and be marked with a Declaration of Conformity: CE. The helmet standard in question refers to the European and national standard EN 1078:2012+A1 for cyclists, but also for users of skateboards and rollerskates.
It is recalled that the type of protective helmet provided for in the reference can also be used by users of personal mobility devices (e-scooters), according to the relevant Notification of the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, which was published in the Official Gazette of the Republic on 7 October 2022 (K.D.P.391/2022).
For information purposes, it is noted that according to the CYS EN 1078:2012+A1 standard, the product should be marked with the following information:
[*]a reference to the above standard, [*]the name or logo of the manufacturer, [*]the model of the protective helmet, [*]a clear indication that it is intended for use at least by cyclists, [*]the size or range of sizes so that it is suitable for the skull size of the user for whom it is intended, [*]the weight of the helmet (in grams), [*]the year and quarter of manufacture and [*]accompanying warning texts on restrictions on use.
Alternatively, for young children up to 14 years of age, the type of protective helmet for cyclists or bicycle passengers should comply with the CYS EN 1080:2013 standard and bear a Declaration of Conformity marking: CE.
The measure of wearing a protective helmet for cyclists is a recognised road safety measure and a recommendation of international organisations involved in road safety issues. It is documented in the international literature that the use of protective helmets by cyclists reduces the risk of serious head injuries by 69% and fatal injuries by 65%. The Department of Transport, Communications and Works urges cyclists and bicycle passengers, as well as users of Personal Mobility Devices, to wear their protective helmet properly fastened, primarily for their own safety.
(ΘΓ/EΠ/EΧΡ)
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