# BIS sets first Indian standard for bicycle helmets, code IS 18808 2026-08-16T13:07:15+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced IS 18808, its first Indian standard for helmets designed for cyclists, skateboarders and roller skaters. G. Bhavani, senior director of BIS Chennai, said the standard was finalised in 2025. BIS is now reaching out to manufacturers and cycling groups to promote certification, which allows products to carry the ISI mark. Most bicycle helmets sold in India are imported, with prices starting from Rs 3,500. Manufacturers say domestic production remains a niche market and have called for lower GST on safety gear. The World Health Organisation reports that quality helmets reduce the risk of death by over six times and brain injury by up to 74%. However, the use of bicycle helmets in India remains voluntary, as bicycles are not covered under the Motor Vehicles Act. Cycling groups such as WCCG - Chennai Cyclists enforce a 'no helmet, no ride' policy. ## Coverage - thehindu.com This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Tags: Bureau of Indian Standards, Chennai, IS 18808, Motor Vehicles Act, World Health Organisation Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/bis-sets-first-indian-standard-for-bicycle-helmets-code-is-18808/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/bis-sets-first-indian-standard-for-bicycle-helmets-code-is-18808/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes. How this brief was made: an AI model read the report linked above and wrote this summary and analysis, which were published automatically. Published briefs are sampled every hour by an automated quality check; the editor verifies its findings and approves corrections, and corrected briefs carry a dated correction line. We do no original reporting. Methodology: https://indianopinion.org/ai-use-policy/