Proposal launched to make cycle helmets compulsory

Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 03/07/2012. Proposal launched to make cycle helmets compulsory

Tags: Parenting Kids Health

A new initiative is set to make wearing cycle helmets compulsory for children aged up to 13-years-old.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is looking to make head protection a must, with parents of youngsters who flout the law issued with a fine, the Irish Independent reports.

"We are actively considering whether there is now a safety case for introducing mandatory cycle helmets for children up to 13 years," RSA chief executive Noel Brett said.

In addition, bike safety training for seven and eight-year-olds will be rolled out in all schools nationwide as a new addition to the curriculum.

The proposal is expected to cause widespread debate, with supporters arguing it will help save lives, as wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of a head injury by 85 per cent.

PR and fundraising manager at the Bicycle Helmet Initiative Trust Mandy Woodward recently claimed headgear is a must for children as it can reduce the chance of serious brain trauma if they are involved in an accident.

Written by Donal Walsh ADNFCR-2163-ID-801399115-ADNFCR

Comments

JohnMc

(09-07-2012 10:26)

I love how you interpreted the news article, ignoring what was actually said "wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of a head injury by 85 per cent." It does not say saved 85% of childrens lives.
And can you point me to a forum where people go on and say 'The cycling helmet saved my kids life today', people don't say such things. But they will say about their child being strangled by the strap - so you say.

Richard Burton

(08-07-2012 14:27)

Nowhere with a helmet law can show any reduction in risk to cyclists. There have been cases of children being strangled by their helmet straps, but not a single proven case of a helmet saving a life. Therefore, it can be proved that helmets have killed children, but not that they have saved any.

The 85% figure has been completely disproved, and any reporter who quotes it is either completely ignorant of the subject or deliberately misleading the public.

Check out cyclehelmets.org for a few facts.