Helmets for London cycle hire 'are imperative'

Date: 24/9/2010

It is 'imperative' that people using London's cycle hire scheme are made to wear a helmet, a road safety charity has said.

A spokeswoman for Brake stated the issue must be examined after two people were taken to hospital with head injuries following accidents on the Barclays bikes.

"Schemes like the Barclays Cycle Hire project are great but some kind of helmet is surely imperative when users have to travel on such busy roads," she commented.

The spokeswoman noted Brake recommends adult and child cyclists wear a helmet at all times.

But a Transport for London (TfL) spokesman argued the use of cycle helmets is not a legal requirement in the UK, so it is up to the individual whether they choose to wear one.

He added TfL encourages people to wear head protection, as it is included in the scheme's code of conduct.

Over 80,000 Londoners have signed up for the initiative since it was launched on July 30th.

Posted by Sarah Bailey