Most bicyclists in Reykjavik Iceland use a helmet

83 per cent of bicyclists in the Greater Reykjavik Area in Iceland use a helmet. This is the result of a recent field observation commissioned by VIS insurance company in Reykjavik.

Automatic counters were installed in seven locations in the city. A total of 1.045 cyclists passed in three days. 867 used a helmet. The results are comparable to previous field observations by the Iceland Sports Union on helmet use by bicyclists.

“We always ask our guests to use a helmet on our tours,” says Ursula Spitzbart of Reykjavik Bike Tours in Reykjavik Iceland. “If guests insist on not using a helmet they must sign a release in case of an accident”. But there are no exceptions for those 15 years and younger because according to the law they must wear a helmet. “We are strict about the use of helmets and all our guides wear a helmet to set a good example,” says Ursula.

“This said, a helmet may provide false security but at least it looks good in the pictures and it keeps our guest’s heads warm,” says Ursula smiling.

The World's Best Tour Guide?

There are more than 100.000 professional tourist guides in the world. When I say professional tourist guides I mean tourist guides who have undertaken special training to guide visitors around a city, region or a country. They have also been accredited or authorized in some way by a local authority.

So when I came across this article, which can be accessed via the link below, I remembered a discussion I once had with a colleague tourist guide in Iceland - who got upset when I signed off in a blog...”Stefan The world's best tour guide”.

He clearly himself thought he was.

Anyway, since tourist guides often work alone and in isolation they do not have a comparison who is the best guide. Neither do the guests who regularly write amazing comments about their guide, perhaps the only guide in the country they know. As a result guides get a big head and soon start to think they are the best tourist guides in the country - perhaps even the best tour guide in the world.

This said, every tour, every tourist guide-visitor encounter is unique. Most of the time, both enjoy the encounter which of course is what it is all about. To meet a friendly local who knows the facts but also is a superb people's person, connects visitors and locals, introduces visitors to new things is the guide to seek. And if the tour involves driving - a driver-guide must above all drive safely.

Read the article in the Travel+Leisure, click here.

Here are some visitor comments about me, for which I am very greatful. Best tourist guide in Iceland?