WA Freestyle Cyclists protest organiser Russell Lindsay said Australia's helmet laws were "abhorrent" and went against individual liberties. "In most countries people are free to attend to everyday activities by bike, dressed in everyday clothing," he said. "We want Australia to join the rest of the world and move beyond helmet fines." WA cyclists who fail to wear a helmet can cop fines of fifty dollars, whereas helmet fines in Victoria are $198. The Northern Territory does not have compulsory helmet laws on bike paths but cyclists can be fined if they ride on roads without a helmet.

While laws and penalties differ between states and territories, Australia was the first country to make wearing bicycle helmets mandatory between 1990 and 1992. WA Freestyle Cyclists spokesman and protest organiser Russell Lindsay said Australia's helmet laws were "abhorrent" and went against individual liberties. "This whole topic is almost like a belief in witchcraft because the arguments that are put out there for the helmet laws make no sense," he said. "The risk of an injury from a bike ride is so low. We want Australia to join the rest of the world and move beyond helmet fines.

"Integrated exercise is so important for people, it prolongs their life and cycling as a mode of transport is good for the environment. "It's true that the requirement to wear a helmet is a barrier to cycling, census data shows us that when this law was introduced many, many people just stopped riding a bike. "This law is Australia's big mistake; no other country has taken Australia's lead on this. "You go anywhere else in the world and you are free to ride a bike without a helmet. "We are talking about the helmet law, not helmets themselves. We are advocating for choice and freedom on this issue."

Mr Lindsay said the group was focussed on helmet law reform but were not referring to competitive cyclists. "We have an over representation of sports cyclists and most sports cyclists would choose to wear helmets anyway but you rarely see the everyday cyclists, going to the post office or to work in Australia and that is because of the mandatory helmet laws," he said. "There's no law that says you have to wear shoes when going outside even though you could step on glass. Why is cycling singled out?" WA peak cycling body West Cycle CEO Matt Fulton said debate around helmet laws had the potential to "take the oxygen" out of positive cycling policies and practices. "Measures that prevent bike crashes from happening in the first place should be the primary focus not removing something that makes it safer such as a helmet," he said.

"Bike helmets are the last line of defence for riders, it's the law to wear one and we encourage all bike riders to abide by the law in all circumstances. "The State Government has committed to record levels of spending on cycling infrastructure; they have introduced minimum passing rules and continue to be supportive of cycling. "As the peak cycling body in the State, we would hate to see the focus shift from these measures that make cycling safer to a debate on freedom of choice." A state government road safety spokeswoman said there were no plans to relax WA's helmet laws. "A recent University of NSW study found helmet use resulted in a 50 per cent reduction of head injuries and overall significant reduction in serious injuries," she said.

"We prefer to take our advice from scientific surveys, rather than opinion polls. "Helmets are like seatbelts – they could save your life. "They may not look fashionable, but if you fall off your bike, you will be glad you were wearing one. "Cyclists are among our most vulnerable road users and we need to do what we can to provide greater protection and reduce the number of serious injuries and cyclist deaths." While he was unsure how many would attend the protest ride, Mr Lindsay said the group were not expecting a police presence at the event.

"Does a person riding slowly on a bike path without a helmet really warrant police attention? It is a peaceful, good activity," he said. "We are very patient because things aren't happening quickly, really we just want to demonstrate that it's normal to ride a bike and have the choice not to wear a helmet. "It's about the law not the helmet and it's about personal choice." Helmet Optional rides are also planned by Freestyle Cyclists in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Wellington. The Australian Medical Association has supported the use of approved helmets and appropriate protective clothing for motorcycle and bicycle riders which it says would save lives and reduce road trauma.

Helmet Optional rides are also planned by Freestyle Cyclists in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Wellington. Credit:Freestyle Cyclists Loading Helmet fines in Australia: NSW: $319

VIC: $198

ACT: $146

QLD: $126

TAS: $119.25

SA: $102

WA: $50

NT: $25 (not compulsory) *If you're 17 or under, you must wear an approved helmet if you're riding on a public place or footpath.

*If you're over 17, you are not required to wear a helmet on a public place or footpath unless riding on the road.