SHARP 2025 Project

8 October 2021

Motorcyclists represent the most vulnerable transport mode in Great Britain, with helmets recognised as a key safety intervention. The DfT’s Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme (SHARP) is a motorcycle helmet safety consumer information scheme providing an independent and objective assessment of helmet safety performance.

Now TRL is leading a new project which aims to review and upgrade the current test and rating protocols of the SHARP scheme, whilst engaging with key industry stakeholders. This includes a Call for Evidence.  Do please respond to this call 

Since the SHARP scheme was launched, there has been new knowledge and understanding of the factors involved in motorcyclist injuries, including a focus on the risks associated with rotational forces experienced during real-world helmet impacts. This has led to important changes for several international motorcycle helmet test and assessment standards and regulations. To ensure the SHARP scheme remains up to date, the DfT is carrying out a research project to review and upgrade the current test and rating protocols of the scheme. To support these activities, the DfT wish to engage with key stakeholders and involve them in the SHARP 2025 project and development of the future scheme.

To contribute to this project, the DfT are seeking input from stakeholders to identify the evidence base for key factors associated with motorcyclist collision data, motorcyclist helmet impact mechanisms, head injury criteria and testing approaches. More information on this informal call for evidence may be found in the resources below