Student Study on Helmet Laws Gains Global Reach

What began as a master's thesis in the Sports, Culture & Event Management program at FH Kufstein Tirol has now found its place in an internationally recognized academic journal. The article, titled The Impact of Mandatory Helmet Laws on Urban Bike-Sharing and Sustainable Mobility in Prague, was recently published in the journal Future Transportation – and its backstory is one worth sharing.

A Real-World Question Turns into Academic Research

Jan Střecha, MA, the lead author, initially explored the topic during his master’s studies. “I’ve been working in the bike-sharing industry for years, so when discussions around a mandatory helmet law for cyclists started in Prague, I naturally wondered what impact such a policy could have,” he explains. His thesis collected survey data from urban cyclists to examine how the introduction of such a law might affect bike usage – particularly among users of bike-sharing services – and what that could mean for the city’s climate goals.

After completing his thesis and final exams, Střecha received an unexpected offer from Asc. Prof. (FH) Mark Romanelli, MBA, who had served as the second reviewer on the thesis. “I wasn’t Jan Střecha‘s advisor, but as I read his work, I kept thinking: more people need to see this,” says Romanelli. “It was well-structured, timely, and addressed a real-world issue with practical relevance. So I reached out and suggested we turn it into a journal article.”

From Thesis to Publication: A Collaborative Effort

Střecha agreed – and together with Prof. Romanelli, who had initiated the idea, as well as co-authors Bettina Anker, BEd MA (external lecturer at FH Kufstein Tirol), and Prof. (FH) Dr. Louis Moustakas (internal researcher), they adapted the thesis into a publishable article. The process wasn’t without challenges – the original work had to be condensed from nearly 90 pages to just 11 – but the core ideas remained intact. Their joint effort paid off when the paper was accepted for publication after just a few rounds of revision.

Balancing Safety and Sustainability in Urban Mobility

The study’s findings are striking: while helmets are proven to reduce head injuries, mandatory helmet laws could significantly reduce spontaneous cycling – especially among users of bike-sharing programs. In Střecha’s survey, nearly two-thirds of bike-share users indicated they would cycle less if helmets became mandatory. “That kind of drop in ridership could undermine the city’s sustainability goals,” says Střecha. “It doesn’t mean safety isn’t important, but we need to find balanced solutions.”

The topic is also highly relevant in Austria. According to a recent ORF report, the Austrian Ministry of Transport is working on an amendment to the road traffic regulations that would introduce a mandatory helmet law for e-bikes, e-mopeds, and e-scooters. The proposed law has received broad support from safety experts, medical associations, and hospitals, though it is also viewed critically by cycling advocates. The debate reflects similar tensions explored in Střecha’s study – between improving safety and encouraging active, sustainable mobility.

Prof. Romanelli believes the story behind the article speaks volumes about what’s possible at FH Kufstein Tirol: “This shows that student research doesn’t have to end with a grade – it can become part of something bigger. It also highlights the kind of close collaboration between students and faculty that defines our academic culture.”

For Střecha, the experience of publishing in Future Transportation was eye-opening. “I’m not planning a research career, but going through the publication process taught me a lot. If students feel their work matters, I’d absolutely encourage them to try publishing it.”

The FH Kufstein Tirol congratulates Jan Střecha, Bettina Anker, Louis Moustakas, and Mark Romanelli on this successful publication – and on showing how academic curiosity, collaboration, and initiative can turn student work into impactful, real-world research.

Links:

• Sports, Culture & Event Management | vz
• Link to paper | article