Cyclists Helmets

Following the injury of a Northamptonshire teenager the government has been urged to make it compulsory for young cyclists to wear helmets.

The issue was raised in the Commons by Wellingborough MP Peter Bone who insisted the time was right for tough action to be brought in to protect young bike riders.

Mr Bone's call for action was prompted by the case of 15-year-old Alex Williams who suffered bleeding to the brain after colliding with a van.

Mr Bone said: "Alex Williams was taken into intensive care after he was in collision with a car while riding his bike. You can't tell teenagers something they do not want to hear such as wearing cycle helmets. The only way to make them hear is to make it a law."

Transport minister Rosie Winterton said: "It is an option we look at from time to time but there are no plans to make it compulsory at present.

"We are currently carrying out a study into the effectiveness of wearing helmets."

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David Urpeth from law firm Irwin Mitchell: "Alex Williams terrible road traffic accident is yet another accident involving cyclists not wearing a safety helmet.

"I welcome the call for the use of helmets to be made mandatory.

"Sadly, I represent many people injured or killed in road traffic accidents including accidents involving both cyclists and motorcyclists."