A bis standard specifically for bicycle helmets

Enjoy Riding Bicycles? Did you know the bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has come up with a Specific Standard for Helmets for Cyclists, Skate Boardrs and Roller Skaters – for the first time, and it is coded “IS 18808”. The move by bis to nudge all stakeholders to promote isi-marked helmet is crucial for a country where helmet use for non-posted vehicles is on only Voluntary Vehicles Act).

G. Bhavani, Senior Director and Head of Chennai Branch of Bureau of Indian Standards, Says Bis has brought this standard in 2025 exclusively for bicycle riders, skateboardrs and roller skates. In April, The Bureau Conducted Its First Awareness Workshop in Chennai and Continues to Reach Stakeholders Including Cycling Cycling Groups Runners.

“Through Manak Manthan, a monthly initiative of bis, we take up a standard that was recently revised or formulated or is under development. Regulators and Laboratories for Suggestions. Manufacturers of this product can apply for bis certificate for this new Indian standard, for which bis is in the process for the process for Awareness, “Says Bhavani.

Bis Certification Gives An Assurance of Quality of the product to the consumer.

“We certify after the manufacturers meet certain criteria.

In Chennai, Most Cycling and Running Groups Promote Use of Helmets.

“In all our group rides and events, one thing is clear -” No Helmet, No Ride “, Says Sudarsana Rao of Vibrant Velachary.

Rao notes that if there is a rule by the government then use of helmets and its standards will also also improve.

“Unlike the Helmets Worn by MotorcyClists, Not Everybody Sells Cycle Helmets. Rao, adding that clubs such as theirs can do a lot to promote helmet use.

Most Bicycle Helmets are made using PVC, Polystyrene and Allied Material. They are dry, lightweight counted and promise reliable performance.

Bicycle Retail outlets Note a Majority of Helmets Sold by Them Are Imported and Come with Good Safety Standards, with Pries from ₹ 3,500 ONDS. “Manufacturing Helmets for Cyclists is a niche market and unless there is good volume there may not be many takers,” Says Ashwin G., Partner, 5am Bicycle Studio.

Helmet Manfacturing Companies Point out there will be a market in India as many citizens Transport.

“Today, we are larger dependent on the Foreign Market for Helmet Design, Which Must Change,” Says Bijoy Bharathan, General Manager, Turtle Helmet. The government must also reduce the gst on safety gears such as helmets so as to encourage more people to buy one, says bharathan.

Lessons from other parts of the globe

Quality Helmets Reduce The Risk of Death by over Six Times, and Reduces The R due of brain injury by up to 74%, says a report by world health organization.

However, availability of affordable helmets is a barrier for some people. In its toolkit on promoting cycling and walking, who notes that ensuring effective helmet use requires measures measures such as developing and passing helmet-use legislation, publike education, and activate law Enforcement.

Many Countries Have Introduced Mandatery Helmet Laws for Cyclists, Including Children. For example, Australia wasmm the first to introduce nationwide helmet regulations in the early 1990s. Canada and Argentina Enforce Helmet Use For Cyclists in Certain Regents and the Netherlands Requires Helmet Use only for e-bikes that speed the speed the speed laimit of 25 km. These policies are typical part of broader road safety strategies aimed at reduction traffic-Related injuries.