Should cycle helmets be compulsory for children?

After questions raised in parliament about a review of cycle helmet effectiveness, we’re asking whether you think cycle helmets should be compulsory for under-16s.

In 2009, 458 cyclists under the age of 16 were killed or seriously injured on Britain’s roads. Around 40% of all cyclists admitted to hospital have suffered head injuries.

During debates in the House of Commons on July 22nd, Michael Penning (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport) was asked whether he had spoken to anyone about a compulsory requirement on under-16s to wear cycle helmets. Annette Brooke, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, quizzed him on compulsory helmets, and also asked whether any progress had been made on a review of cycle helmet effectiveness, planned for the latter half of 2010.

In the safety arena there is constant and occasionally heated debate about whether cycle helmets should be made compulsory. Some argue that even if they are not compulsory for adults, they should still be compulsory for children under the age of 16.

It is clear that cyclists who are injured on the roads are less likely to suffer serious head injury or brain damage if they are wearing an appropriate helmet. In a review of cycle helmet effectiveness, commissioned by the Department for Transport, the Transport Research Laboratory found:

• at least 10% of cycling deaths could have been prevented if the cyclist had worn a cycle helmet
• in 10% of hospital admissions for serious cycling injuries (skull fractures and brain damage) the injuries could have been prevented or reduced if the cyclist had worn a helmet.

However, many cyclists and pressure groups are concerned that making cycle helmet wearing compulsory could put children off cycling, or encourage drivers to be more reckless around them.

Positive role models

In response to the question, Penning said that although not keen to compel children to wear cycle helmets, the Department for Transport is trying to educate children about safe behaviour. The DfT ensures that all of its videos, DVDs and internet broadcasts that feature under-16s cycling show positive images of them wearing helmets.

More info

View the parliamentary discussion on cycle helmets.

Download the Transport Research Laboratory’s review of cycle helmet effectiveness

Have your say!

The majority of cycle training schemes insist on helmets for under-16s, but there is currently no compulsion for children to wear helmets when out and about. Do you think that cycle helmets should be compulsory? Are there any cycle training schemes in your area? What is their policy on helmet use?

Add your comments below.