An overview of the test methodology used in current cycling helmet standards and literature

•In-depth analysis of the test methods in cycling helmet standards and research.•Critically evaluates head impact test rigs and their impact boundary conditions.•Outlines key parameters for accurate simulation of real-world cycling accidents.•Most significant findings in the field of head impact testing and future directions. Cycling helmets play a crucial role in protecting against head injuries, however, their effectiveness in mitigating all types of head injury is limited, particularly traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). This limitation is primarily attributed to the current cycling helmet standards, which inadequately represent real-world impact scenarios. Specifically, they overlook the rotational kinematics resulting from direct oblique impacts and fail to consider the inertial loading of the head during body-first impacts. To address this issue, researchers have proposed or adapted various methodologies to enhance helmet evaluations, however, a widely accepted approach is yet to be established. This paper aims to serve as a comprehensive resource by evaluating the test rigs and impact boundary conditions employed across existing cycling helmet standards and literature. In addition, it highlights key areas of focus for the development of a novel test method and presents the most significant contributions from relevant research studies, as well as future research requirements.