Following the mention a few days ago of theyworkforyou.com, I subscribed
to a few keywords and I've just received an e-mail informing me of a
petition presented to the Commons calling for mandatory helmets for
children.
<url:http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2006-11-28a.1050.1&s=cycle#g1050.2>
<quote>
Peter Bone (Wellingborough, Conservative)
I wish to present to the House of Commons a public petition from the
people of Wellingborough and surrounding areas. The Wellingborough and
Rushden Herald and Post, the excellent weekly newspaper for
Wellingborough and Rushden, always stands up for the local community and
campaigns on important issues. It has recently been highlighting the
number of children injured while riding their bikes. The petition has
developed out of that outstanding campaign.
The petition declares:
Although the Highway Code states that under the rules for cyclists 'you
should wear a cycling helmet which conforms to current regulations', it
is not compulsory. Last year 5691 children were injured whilst cycling.
Of these 28 were killed.
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons charges the
Secretary of State for Transport to bring in proposals to make it
compulsory for children to wear a cycle helmet when riding their bikes.
</quote>
Any Wellingborough cyclists fancy writing to their MP?
I notice that they fail to mention what proportion of the injuries and
deaths might have been prevented by helmets, knowledge of which to me
seems essential in order for the figures to have any relevance to the
debate.
--
Danny Colyer <URL:http://www.colyer.plus.com/danny/>
Reply address is valid, but that on my website is checked more often
"He who dares not offend cannot be honest." - Thomas Paine