Sikhs push for NSW bike helmet rule exemption despite opposition from medical, road safety bodies

Turban-wearing Sikhs are pushing for religious exemptions of NSW helmet rules in order to enable them to freely ride while honouring their faith.

Turban-wearing Sikhs are pushing for religious exemptions of NSW helmet rules in order to enable them to freely ride while honouring their faith – but critics warn any relaxation of rules could exacerbate risks on the state’s roads.

A Parliamentary inquiry has heard impassioned pleas from Sikh motorcycle riders to be given immunity from mandatory helmet rules to enable them to ride while wearing turbans.

In Sikhism, the turban – or dastar – is a mandatory article of faith, symbolising self-respect, equality, and spirituality.

Mavleen Dhir, who founded Singh’s Social Motorcycle Club Australia in Sydney, says forcing Sikhs to remove or adjust their turbans to wear helmets “is an infringement on religious rights” and has meant many Sikhs are unable to ride bikes or motorcycles.

“The turban is not just headwear, it’s a religious symbol embodying our commitment to truth and justice and equality,” he said.

An inquiry is investigating changes to helmet rules in NSW

“The choice we have is to either take our turbans off or not ride or all. It’s not just a piece of cloth for us.”

The push for change has been backed by the Sovereign Sikh Riders which estimates the current rules affect many of the 50,000 Sikhs residing in NSW.

Amar Singh, the founder of Turbans 4 Australia, said the helmet rules also impacted job opportunities including in the delivery and logistics sectors – as well as the ability for members of the Sikh community to ride bikes or motorcycles to work.

He said the decision for some Sikhs not to remove their turbans in place of a helmet was a “matter of principle”.

Helmet rules currently mandate the use of the protective headgear in NSW.

“I have owned a bike for the last four years and it’s parked in my garage. I have not principally ridden it because I don’t see that I need to improvise with my turban until the exemption is done,” he said.

State MP Greg Warren, who is chairing the parliamentary inquiry, said the inquiry had a responsibility to ensure that any potential changes to the road rules “does not endanger road users”.

Multiple medical and road safety bodies have called for the current rules to be maintained, including the Australian Medical Association which says research has “consistently shown that helmet use significantly reduces the risk of head injuries and fatalities”.

An inquiry has been set up to investigate the current helmet rules.

Australasian College of Road Safety chair Michael Yimms said the rates of motorcyclist deaths and injuries were trending upwards in NSW.

“Motorcyclists deaths are up 33 per cent on the same period last year, and injuries and hospitalisations for motorcyclists are up 15 per cent,” he said.

“We have something like 11,000 hospitalisations a year and we’re at a pretty critical time with road safety at the moment.

“That explains our reluctance to support any exemptions or anything that we believe will wind back the vision of zero road deaths.”

Singhs Social Motorcycle Club Australia founder Mavleen Dhir said there was “no viable solution that exists today.” Photo courtesy of Mr Dhir

The Australasian College for Road Safety has called for the NSW Government to consider investing in helmet test research which could lead to the development of suitable helmets that could be compatible for use with turbans.

However, Mr Dhir said while advancements in helmet technology “may one day reconcile safety standards” there was “no viable solution that exists today”.

“In the interim, a legal exemption is both a practical and compassionate response,” he said.

He said exemptions could work through a permit system or special labelling on NSW drivers’ licenses.

Exemptions to enable Sikhs to ride without helmets have been printed in several overseas countries and jurisdictions including the New Zealand, the UK and Malaysia.