Cycling accident legal advice

A report by the British Medical Association (Cycle Helmets, June 1999) strongly recommended them and urged government, health and cycling organisations to promote them.

The wearing rate in Great Britain is about 18%. At this level making helmets compulsory would cause enforcement difficulties and without greater public acceptance could have an effect on levels of cycling. We will monitor wearing rates and review the option of compulsory wearing from time to time but strive to advance through persuasion.

"We recommend cycle helmets in the Highway Code, the Highway Code for Young Road Users and the National Cycling Forum's leaflet, Safety Framework for Cycling. Together with the Department of Health, we are supporting the Bicycle Helmet Initiative Trust pilot project and promoting helmets to children in our own publicity campaigns (see Chapter 2, Safer for children). Helmets designed and marketed for children are zero-rated for VAT. Find out more useful cycling advice."