A chara, – I have been a cyclist for almost 20 years and have been very fortunate until recently to have avoided being in any accident on the road. However, I was involved in a road traffic accident on December 8th and if I had not been wearing a helmet I have no doubt I would have been killed.
Cycling is becoming one of the fastest growing sports, yet there is no legislation in relation to protective equipment for cyclists. A motorist may not drive his/her car without wearing a seatbelt. A construction worker may not enter a site without obtaining a safe pass course or the correct personal protective equipment; yet cyclists, who are the most vulnerable of all road users, are permitted to enter the public roads without even wearing a helmet.
I am astonished by the increased number of cyclists on our roads who do not wear a helmet. I am also astonished by the number of parents who allow their children to cycle a bicycle without any head protection.
In the event of an accident, wearing a helmet significantly reduces the chances of a brain injury in the same way as a seatbelt does in a car. I feel there has to be a change in legislation in relation to this to make our roads safer for everyone. – Is mise,