New South Wales - Bicycles and Helmets
History
There was a general exemption for Sikhs in religious consideration for Sikhs who wore turbans from wearing a bicycle helmet. Exemptions were valid until 1 January 1992 after which all exemptions were removed. See document titled Evaluation of the NSE Introduction of Compulsory Bicycle Helmet Legislation for further information regarding these previously issued exemptions.
Current status
All Australian states and territories, except NSW have provided for an exemption (general, specific or by application) from the bicycle helmet requirement for Sikhs that wear a Dastaar.
New South Wales law does not presently provide for a general, specific or ‘by application’ exemption for Sikhs wishing to ride a bicycle without a helmet.
An extract of the applicable law regarding helmets and bicycles in New South Wales is contained below (emphasis added).
Law change
As at October 2024, a Bill has been introduced in to NSW Parliament seeking for a general exemption from wearing helmets for Sikhs riding motorcycles, bicycles and electric scooters. This Bill has not yet passed. You can read the text of the Bill here, the explanatory note here and the second reading speech here.
Road Rules 2014
256 Bicycle helmets
(1) The rider of a bicycle must wear an approved bicycle helmet securely fitted and fastened on the rider’s head, unless the rider is exempt from wearing a bicycle helmet under another law of this jurisdiction.
Maximum penalty—20 penalty units.
Note—
Approved bicycle helmet is defined in the Dictionary.
(2) A passenger on a bicycle that is moving, or is stationary but not parked, must wear an approved bicycle helmet securely fitted and fastened on the passenger’s head, unless the passenger is—
(a) a paying passenger on a three or four-wheeled bicycle, or
(b) exempt from wearing a bicycle helmet under another law of this jurisdiction.
Maximum penalty—20 penalty units.
(3) The rider of a bicycle must not ride with a passenger on the bicycle unless the passenger complies with subrule (2).
Maximum penalty—20 penalty units.
Relevant links (e.g. Media, Academic Papers, Opinions)
Evaluation of the NSE Introduction of Compulsory Bicycle Helmet Legislation (click on image below to download)
State specific Sikh bicycle helmet laws: