While some believe helmets deter residents from bike riding, others have maintained they save lives. 

It comes after the Bicycle Network released a report on Wednesday, pushing for legislation to be changed. 

The report explained people over the age of 17 should be able to choose if they want to wear a helmet when riding on cycling paths or trails. 

The national body’s chief executive Craig Richards said its recommendation was to “give people the freedom to choose if they wear a helmet in low-risk circumstances”.

“That's what bike riding is ultimately all about," Mr Richards said. “Freedom.”

The call for mandatory helmet laws to be relaxed for a five-year trial follows a 14-month policy review, which led to the organisation’s back flip on its initial support in the ‘90s. 

"It's clear that our bike policies aren't working,” Mr Richards said. “So it's important that we review everything.”

Bicycle Wagga club member Craig Alexander said donning the safety headwear was like wearing a seatbelt – he was used to it. But, he agreed it should not be compulsory to wear it off-road.

“It puts people off riding a bike … we’re trying to encourage more people to get out and cycle,” Mr Alexander said. “Adults should be able to make a decision off their own bat.” 

On the other side of the track, cyclist Ray Loiterton said he couldn’t speak for the whole club, but imagined 99 per cent would be against the move to remove the compulsory wearing of helmets.

“I can’t understand why you wouldn’t want to wear one,” Mr Loiterton said. “It doesn’t make a lot of sense to me.”

He referred to an incident across the weekend, where a cyclist had fallen on the cycling track. 

“He smashed his helmet,” Mr Loiterton said. “I ride mountain bikes at Pomingalarna as well and I wouldn’t ride out there without a helmet, with all the branches and rocks.”

The Wagga man said he also wouldn’t let his grandchildren ride without helmets. 

“You can fall as easily off the road,” he said. “You’ve only got one head.”

This sentiment was echoed by Lisa Glastonbury, who said she personally wanted to look after hers.

The Bicycle Network conceded it did not back a complete repeal to include road users because not enough has been done to separate cars and bikes.