New SHARP motorcycle helmet ratings announced

15.34 | 20 April 2011 | | 4 comments

More than 20 new SHARP helmet safety ratings have been published ahead of the extended Bank Holiday, when motorcycling levels are expected to soar.

The new ratings take the number of helmets rated by SHARP (the Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme) to 247.

Mike Penning, road safety minister, said: “Many of us will be making the most of the extended Bank Holiday period to take our bikes out and, hopefully, take advantage of some good weather.

“I urge anyone thinking about buying a new helmet ahead of the weekend to check out the SHARP website before making their decision. A well fitted helmet with a high SHARP rating will provide you with the best possible protection in the event of an accident so it’s well worth checking the advice on the site before you buy.”

All helmets must meet minimum legal safety standards but the SHARP scheme uses a wider range of tests to provide riders with more information on how much protection a helmet can provide in a crash. The SHARP tests, which award ratings of between one and five stars, show that the safety performance of helmets can vary by as much as 70%.

Click here to visit the SHARP website, or click here to read the full DfT press release.

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    I have never yet been to a bike shop and seen helmets for sale with Sharp information given.

    What’s the point of having this measure of a helmets capacity to reduce injury when the information is not clearly available at point of sale?


    Bob Craven, Lancs
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    Even the best rider can get it wrong or hit diesel etc – this is about preventing injuries, not rider training – it isn’t an either/or matter.
    A testing programme that aims to go beyond the basic tests so that a biker can be more confident that the helmet he/she buys will offer the best protection in practice has to be a good thing. As anyone who knows about SHARP can confirm. For SHARP to publicise what they do and their latest findings is entirely legitimate and to be welcomed.


    Honor Byford, North Yorkshire
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    Is Derek of St. Albans a motorcyclist? Judging by his comment, I think not! You can be the safest rider on the road and still get hit by a careless or reckless car (or other motor vehicle) driver. This shows that you can give yourself maximum protection and it doesn’t have to cost the earth. I embrace the ratings and actively pass the info on when ever it is updated to biker friends.


    Stuart Colbron, Bedfordshire
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    I wonder if these new standards will tell you how not to have an accident in the first place?

    This is a PR exercise – period.


    Derek Reynolds, St Albans.
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