Helmets are one of the most important pieces of gear you’ll ever have as a cyclist, after, well, a bike, of course. There was a time when some cyclists chose not to wear a helmet in training (or for the pros, in racing), but those days are over. Helmets have been mandatory in racing for 20 years, and nearly every pro trains with one. You’d be hard pressed to find a rider or commuter who doesn’t wear one, although some argue that helmets deter cyclists from cycling in urban centres.

In 2020, former world champion Chris Boardman, a huge cycling advocate, found himself in hot water when he was filmed making a promotional video: riding around Manchester, unveiling plans for millions of dollars for new bike lanes. However, after the clip was uploaded to Twitter last month, there was outrage.

Although some claim that in cities like Copenhagen or Amsterdam, mandatory helmet laws would discourage cyclists from riding, the infrastructure there is much better than in most Canadian cities. This is why the majority of cyclists in Canada, especially the Lycra gender, almost certainly wear helmets.

That being said, there are three specific instances when you should never wear a helmet.

1. The podium

S2C’s Ernie Sanchez wins 2nd place at the GS Criterium Omnium in Rancho Cordova, CA!#stage2cyclery @selle_smp @BoschToolsNA @albabici @NovatecUSA @limar_helmets @PrimalWear @PioneerUSA @KendaTire #ranchocordova #bike #shopping #cycling #podium @thevelofix @NCNCA pic.twitter.com/824RdqRQEI

— S2Ccycling (@S2Ccycling) May 7, 2019

Why? Were you in such a rush to get from the finish line to the podium that you couldn’t get up? Maybe put on a baseball cap? It takes two seconds to remove your helmet. Remove it. The sky does not fall. You’ll be fine, as long as you don’t fall off the podium.

2. Zwift

Safety first – ALWAYS wear my HELMET!#RideOn #zwift #gozwift #viro #helmet #girosportdesign #security #safety first pic.twitter.com/YiM0qAAKx2

— North Claes (@NordClaes) December 28, 2015

Why? Why are you wearing a headset on Zwift? You can’t even fall anyway. Maybe if this was some kind of cool Fortnite skin it would work. But until that day comes, enjoy the fact that you can look like an 1980s pro and run into a critic with your computerized hair blowing in the wind.

3. In your car

Where it all started for the Schumacher name ⏪

Mick’s very special redesign of his father’s first F1 helmet design, worn here at Spa 30 years ago 😍 #HaasF1 #BelgianGP pic.twitter.com/abj7vWFscN

– Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) August 27, 2021

Unless you are in an F1 car racing around Monaco, you should not wear a helmet in your vehicle. Especially a bicycle helmet. If you are going to or from a race, you just have to take it off. Plus, it’s a little gross if you’ve just finished a run and those sweaty pads cling to your head.