Gordon Ramsay’s massive ‘purple potato’ injury reignites bicycle helmet debate and if they actually make cycling safer or more dangerous [Video]

11:40 EDT 17 Jun 2024, updated 11:44 EDT 17 Jun 2024

Gordon Ramsay has urged cyclists to wear helmets after an accident left him looking like a ‘purple potato’ – but experts are divided on how effective they are.

Some research has shown using a helmet drastically reduces your chances of suffering a serious injury and slashes the number of people killed in crashes.

But other studies claim they actually increase your chances of having an accident and make it more likely you will suffer a life-threatening spinal injury.

Others claim ordering cyclists to wear helmets is akin to victim-blaming and detracts attention from measures that would really improve safety such as better cycle lanes and safer driving.

The debate comes after Ramsay, 57, said he was ‘lucky to be alive’ after being involved in a ‘really bad accident’ while riding his bike in Connecticut, US.