A recent accident left Gordon Ramsay looking like a "purple potato." He advises cyclists to use helmets. Ramsay's experience demonstrates the efficacy dispute among specialists. Some evidence shows helmets prevent crash-related injuries and deaths. According to other studies, helmets may increase the risk of accidents and severe spinal injuries.

After a terrible bike accident in Connecticut, Ramsay, 57, said on social media that he was "lucky to be alive". Helmet protection prevented head injuries despite significant bruising. The TV chef advised his millions of followers to wear helmets on any trip.

Helmet effectiveness is debated. Olympic cycling champion Chris Boardman favors safer riding infrastructure over helmets. He thinks better cycling conditions, such in the Netherlands, where casualties are low despite negligible helmet use, are more important.

A 2018 Oslo Institute of Transport Economics study revealed helmets reduce accident fatalities by nearly a third, supporting Ramsay's claim. They reduce head injuries by 48%, major ones by 60%, and fatal ones by 71%.

Despite previous studies claiming helmets may increase neck and spinal injuries due to weight and friction, Oslo researchers discovered that helmeted bikers had slightly fewer injuries. The study found helmets "highly recommendable."

Conversely, Cycling UK's Colin Clarke claims helmet benefits are exaggerated. A New Zealand study found that obligatory helmet legislation reduced cycling by 60% and increased injuries among those who continued. This helmet obsession detracts from better safety measures, he says.

Gordon Ramsay posted a photo of his damaged helmet to promote helmet use. "Honestly, you’ve got to wear a helmet," remarked. "Even for a short journey, they’re crucial."