Gear up, Durham and protect what matters

On any given day across Durham Region, more people are cycling, e-biking and using e‑scooters to get around. It’s a great shift. But it also comes with an important reminder. Wearing a helmet is one of the easiest ways to prevent a serious injury.

“We want everyone to enjoy our roads and trails,” says Amanda Spencer, Senior Project Manager of Traffic Safety for the Region of Durham. “But we also want people to get around safely. Putting on a helmet is a small step that makes a big difference.”

A simple habit could save lives

As cycling and e‑mobility grow in popularity, so do collisions. In Durham, crashes involving cyclists and e-mobility users continue to rise, partly because there are more riders on the road. In 2023, there were 81 cyclist, 20 e-bike and 14 e-scooter collisions. In 2024 those numbers rose to 121 cyclist, 31 e-bike and 18 e-scooter collisions.

Young people are especially at risk. We have found that more than half of cyclist collisions take place in June, August and September, and most involve riders aged 11 to 20.

“We see the impact of collisions firsthand,” says Cynthia Rogers, a public health nurse with Durham Region Health Department. “Helmets matter because they reduce the severity of head injuries and help prevent tragedies.” Unfortunately, those tragedies still occur. Durham Region recorded one fatal cyclist collision in both 2022 and 2024, one fatal e‑bike collision in 2025, and one fatal e‑scooter collision in both 2023 and 2025.

Across Ontario, the data’s a no-brainer. According to Parachute, an organization dedicated to injury prevention, bicycle helmets reduce head injuries by more than 40 per cent and traumatic brain injuries by 53 per cent.

Know the rules

In Ontario, helmets are mandatory for cyclists, e-bike and e-scooter riders under the age of 18. While those over 18 aren’t required by law to wear a helmet, it’s strongly encouraged. “Children are more likely to wear a helmet when they see adults doing the same,” says Rogers, who visits with children in schools across our community to promote helmet safety. “It sets a great example for youth when they see adults demonstrating safe cycling and e-mobility skills.”

Protect yourself

According to Parachute, head injuries are the leading cause of severe injury and injury-related deaths to children on bicycles. Protect yourself and your child by following these tips.

A safe helmet should:

• Fit properly and snugly without rocking or twisting.
• Be less than five years old.
• Be free of cracks or damage and not been in a crash.
• Be designed for the activity.
• Be free of stickers, paint or decorations.

Before jumping on your bicycle or e-mobility device, check that your helmet fits properly by using the 2‑V‑1 salute:

• Two fingers should fit above your eyebrows and below your helmet.
• The side straps should fit snugly around each ear in a ‘V’ shape.
• Once buckled, one finger should fit between your chin and the chin strap.

As we start getting ready for the warmer weather ahead, please always remember to wear a helmet and ensure it fits properly – it could save your life.

Gear up and learn more about helmet safety at durham.ca/HelmetSafety.