<P> After Kivilev 's death , the UCI made the wearing of helmets compulsory . They had previously tried to introduce this requirement in 1991 , but some riders protested this at the Paris -- Nice race , so the rule was not introduced . The nature of Kivilev 's death , in that he was a lead rider , in one of the top French cycling teams , racing in a top stage race , coupled with advances in helmet technology , brought the debate back to the fore and conclusively so for the UCI . Whilst many riders were initially still against compulsory helmet use , the UCI ensured the rules requiring helmets to be worn at all times would be in place for the 2003 Giro d'Italia , which started just eight weeks after Kivilev 's death . Dissension to the rule was initially high , but the new rules were affirmed in October 2003 . Whilst at first the rule was loose and not tightly enforced , especially on mountain - top finishes , it has since been enforced more strictly and helmet - wearing is now ubiquitous in the peloton . </P>
<P> After Kivilev 's death , the UCI made the wearing of helmets compulsory . They had previously tried to introduce this requirement in 1991 , but some riders protested this at the Paris -- Nice race , so the rule was not introduced . The nature of Kivilev 's death , in that he was a lead rider , in one of the top French cycling teams , racing in a top stage race , coupled with advances in helmet technology , brought the debate back to the fore and conclusively so for the UCI . Whilst many riders were initially still against compulsory helmet use , the UCI ensured the rules requiring helmets to be worn at all times would be in place for the 2003 Giro d'Italia , which started just eight weeks after Kivilev 's death . Dissension to the rule was initially high , but the new rules were affirmed in October 2003 . Whilst at first the rule was loose and not tightly enforced , especially on mountain - top finishes , it has since been enforced more strictly and helmet - wearing is now ubiquitous in the peloton . </P>
when did helmets become mandatory in the tour de france
when did helmets become mandatory in the tour de france
October 2003
October 2003