Secretary for Transport & Housing Frank Chan today said the Transport Department is comprehensively reviewing the requirement for cyclists to wear bicycle helmets in view of the rising trend of cycling accidents.

In response to questions at the Legislative Council, Mr Chan said with the concerted efforts of the Transport Department and stakeholders, the number of accidents involving bicycles decreased from 1,917 cases in 2017 to 1,738 cases in 2019.

However, the number started to rise in 2020 and reached 2,994 cases in 2021. The Transport Department, together with other departments and stakeholders, will continue to strengthen publicity and education activities on cycling safety so as to reduce accidents.

Mr Chan pointed out that there is currently no mandatory requirement for cyclists to wear bicycle helmets in Hong Kong, noting that the requirement for wearing helmets varies from place to place.

The factors being considered on the requirement include the location where cyclists could be required to wear helmets, the age of people subject to such mandatory requirement and the practices adopted in other places.

With the aim of enhancing safety protection for cyclists, the Government will actively consider regulating the wearing of bicycle helmets by cyclists through legislative amendments.

Mr Chan said that the Transport Department had consulted trades and stakeholders, including cycling clubs, automobile associations, driving centres, transport and logistics sectors, medical groups, operators of shared bicycles and food delivery operators, from April to May this year regarding whether it should be a mandatory requirement to wear bicycle helmets.

The department is collating and analysing the views collected and plans to consult lawmakers at the meeting of the Legislative Council Panel on Transport next month, he added.