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Costs and benefits of a bicycle helmet law for Germany

Author

Listed:
  • Gernot Sieg

    (Institute of Transport Economics, Muenster)

Abstract

This study presents a cost-benefit analysis of a law requiring cyclists to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle in Germany. The cost benefit-analysis takes into account the benefit of increased security when cyclists wear a helmet or use a transport mode that is less risky than cycling. The analysis also considers the cost of purchasing helmets, reduced fitness when cycling is replaced by a motorized transport mode, the discomfort of wearing helmets and environmental externalities. The benefits of a helmet law are estimated at about 0.7 of the costs. A bicycle helmet law for Germany is found to be a waste of resources.

Suggested Citation

  • Gernot Sieg, 2014. "Costs and benefits of a bicycle helmet law for Germany," Working Papers 21, Institute of Transport Economics, University of Muenster, revised May 2014.
    • Handle: RePEc:mut:wpaper:21
    as

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    File URL: https://www.wiwi.uni-muenster.de/ivm/sites/ivm/files/documents/forschung/diskussionspapiere/workingpaper21.pdf
    File Function: First version, 2014
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    File URL: http://www.wiwi.uni-muenster.de/ivm/sites/ivm/files/documents/forschung/diskussionspapiere/workingpaper21final.pdf
    File Function: Revised version, 2014
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Cited by:

    1. van Wee, Bert & Börjesson, Maria, 2015. "How to make CBA more suitable for evaluating cycling policies," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 44(C), pages 117-124.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    bicycle helmets; cost-benefit analysis; helmet law;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • K32 - Law and Economics - - Other Substantive Areas of Law - - - Energy, Environmental, Health, and Safety Law
    • L91 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Transportation: General
    • R41 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - Transportation: Demand, Supply, and Congestion; Travel Time; Safety and Accidents; Transportation Noise

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