The laws are a focus in federal parliament’s ‘nanny state’ inquiry, which looks at a range of laws that could unnecessarily impede people’s freedoms.

Helmets have been mandatory in Australia since the early 1990s.

About 200 inquiry submissions discuss helmets, with many calling for the law to be relaxed or scrapped.

Horsham cyclist Damien Cook said he thought most riders would still wear helmets regardless of the law.

“I've had some pretty bad accidents where helmets do save bits and pieces,” he said.

“About a year ago, a group got cleaned up on the Henty Highway when a wallaby jumped out.

“There were about 14 riders, and 10 of them went down. One guy’s helmet was absolutely knackered, and he ended up with a bleed on the brain.

“Imagine if he didn’t have his helmet.”

Mr Cook said helmets offered various levels of protection.

“I would definitely still wear a helmet when riding, and I think most true cyclists would,” he said.

“It just depends how you're brought up with safety.”

Horsham West Primary School principal Brendan Bush supports mandatory laws.

“I know there was a study done by the London city council, who realised once they brought in helmet laws, there was a drop in people riding,” he said.

“Looking at now though, I think we’ve gone past that.

“It is part of our culture to wear helmets, and it no doubt adds to the safety of children riding.”

Mr Bush said it was fantastic to see the school’s bike shelter full. 

“It’s the first time in eight years we’ve had this many kids riding to school,” he said.

”Horsham is a great town to ride in and I promote and support that.”

Northern Grampians Mayor Murray Emerson said mandatory laws should remain.

“Helmets are essential and save lives,” he said.

“One of the things I take away from my experience policing is that head injuries are the main cause of death in road incidents.

“I don't know why people would be thinking helmets should be strapped, other than perhaps some people find them to be an inconvenience.”