Following David Cameron's irresponsible failure to wear a cycle helmet, it has emerged that one of the leading campaigners for compulsory helmets is a Tory MP.
David Cameron was today “under fire” for choosing to cycle without a helmet. And, as the news prompted an online row about whether it is “sanctimonious” to highlight cycling safety, it emerged that one of the leading campaigners for compulsory helmets is a Tory MP.
Just weeks ago, Peter Bone, Conservative MP for Wellingborough, spoke out in favour of making helmets compulsory for children up to the age of 14:
“If somebody said 16 per cent of people who died in road accidents could be saved, you would bite their hand off … The savings to the NHS alone would be enormous … I believe individuals can make up their own minds whether they want to kill themselves. Youngsters can’t, however, and we have to do it for them.”
In January 2010, Bone asked a question in parliament about the Department for Transport’s assessment of the safety case for children to wear safety helmets. He received this response from Paul Clark, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the DfT:
“The Department commissioned a research project on cyclists’ road safety, which included a new review of cycle helmet effectiveness.”
The review concludes that, assuming cycle helmets are a good fit and worn correctly they should be effective at “reducing the risk of head injury, in particular cranium fracture, scalp injury and intracranial (brain) injury for users of all ages but would be expected to be particularly effective for children”. The report that Mr Bone highlights also includes the results of a forensic case review of more than 100 British police cyclist fatality reports:
“[The] case review … highlighted that between 10 and 16% of the fatalities reviewed could have been prevented if they had worn a cycle helmet.”
It also found that helmets would be “particularly effective” for children.
Given the currently available evidence (highlighted by one of his very own MPs) of the safety benefits of wearing a cycle helmet, and the (uphill) efforts of safety campaigners to encourage children, in particular, to wear a helmet, David Cameron should be trying to set a good example. Instead, he is irresponsibly choosing to look good for photo opportunities, regardless of the message this sends to Britain’s young cyclists.
46 Responses to “Cameron’s failure to wear cycle helmet “irresponsible””
Robert
If it’s sensible and commonplace for Mr Cameron’s core vote of horse riding foxhunters to wear helmets then it’s sensible for him to wear one on his bike.
Besides, he should think of his dependents.
paulstpancras
As a father with three sons, I find it reprehensible that both Boris Johnson and David Cameron fail to set an example to children by wearing safety helmets when cycling.
My 12 year old already balks at wearing his saying “Boris doesn’t wear one, and he’s Mayor, why should I?” It’s an argument we’ve had throughout the winter and will start again this spring.
Johnson and Cameron are high profile figures and should consider the impact their irresponsible actions have on children.
Helmets are a necessary safety requirement and all cyclists should wear them.
Johnson also regularly sails through red traffic lights. Not only is this irresponsible, it is dangerous to pedestrians.
Two weeks ago, one cyclist came within inches of knocking me over on Euston Road at a crossing. I’m on warfarin, a blood thinner, and a fall caused by a cyclist could cost me my life.
Silent Hunter
Will Straw:
No but I heard the one about “Daddy got me this job as a journalist”
N E P O T I S M. Look it up, Will.
Nick Wilde
Well done Will. You’ve really highlighted your talent as a journalist. I guess you can always get Daddy to get you another job if this one doesn’t work out.
Nick Wilde
Will, quite a lot of negative views here. Are you going to close the blog to comments?