Sir, – Ultan Ó Broin (June 26th) bemoans the lack of helmets on the Dublin Bike scheme, and states that Melbourne’s one obliges users to buy or rent a helmet to use it.
This probably explains why Melbourne’s bike scheme has one of the worst uptake rates in the world, and Dublin’s is among the most successful. During 2012’s Australian Open, Melbourne’s set a record for most trips in a single day with 733. Dublin exceeded 7,000 on one day in October 2011.
As the number of cyclists on the road grows, the proportionate rate of accidents drops. So rather than advise people to wear helmets, the best thing anyone can do to make cycling safer is to get on their own bike! – Yours, etc,
BRIAN McARDLE,
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St Alphonsus Road Upper,
Drumcondra,
Dublin 9.