In France, the debate over whether cyclists should be required to wear helmets has resurfaced. In September 2025, a bill introduced by deputy Yannick Favennec-Bécot remains under review by a parliamentary committee. The government is now considering a decree from the Council of State, which advises on legal matters. In August 2026, the minister for Citizenship, Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, requested the Road Safety Authority to evaluate making helmet use mandatory for cyclists and electric scooter riders in all situations. This has sparked a response from the Alliance for Cycling, which includes several major cycling advocacy groups, and the Association of Public Bicycle Actors, who have published a position paper opposing a universal helmet requirement. Currently, in France, helmet use is mandatory only for children under 12 years old. For adults, it is recommended, especially when riding speed-limited electric bicycles (25 km/h). However, some local governments, such as those in Nord, Vaucluse, Nice, and Le Touquet, have enacted their own rules requiring helmets. In Paris and surrounding areas, helmets are required for electric scooters and other motorized personal transport devices (EDPM), but not for regular bicycles. The Alliance argues that while helmets are effective in reducing the risk of serious head injury by about 69% in the event of a fall, a general requirement could have unintended consequences, particularly for cyclists in rural areas where infrastructure is poor. The Alliance cites international examples, such as Australia and New Zealand, where mandatory helmet laws have been linked to a decline in cycling participation. In cities like Melbourne and Brisbane, bike-sharing systems have seen low usage, while regions that relaxed helmet rules, like the Australian Northern Territory, have reported better gender balance among cyclists. In France, public bike services are a key part of government policy, aimed at making cycling accessible to all, including those who may not own a helmet. A mandatory helmet rule could hinder these efforts, especially if access to clean, hygienic helmets is not guaranteed. The Alliance suggests that instead of a universal requirement, a more targeted approach would be better. They propose focusing on promoting helmet use through social norms and education, especially in structured or beginner cycling programs, rather than imposing legal mandates. They also emphasize the importance of improving road infrastructure and safety for all road users. The Alliance argues that a generalized helmet rule would contradict the goals of France’s National Bicycle Plan and could harm the economic viability of public bike services. They do not dispute the value of helmets but believe that a one-size-fits-all approach is not the best way to enhance cycling safety.