Óscar Puente criticizes Zohran Mamdani over bicycle helmet apology

Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente has criticized New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani following a controversy regarding bicycle helmet use. Mamdani issued an apology via social media after being photographed cycling without a helmet, stating, “I am listening. I am learning,” in an effort to encourage adherence to safety protocols.

Puente argued that Mamdani’s decision to apologize was a mistake. He contended that in urban environments, helmet use is generally optional and that mandatory requirements can actually discourage cycling. Citing the World Health Organization, Puente noted that such mandates are often discouraged because they can reduce the overall adoption of cycling, which ultimately impacts public health negatively.

While acknowledging Mamdani’s leadership, Puente maintained that the Mayor should have stood by the principle that urban helmet use is not strictly necessary for promoting mobility, despite the potential communication challenges.