Inverness social media post sparks debate: Are cycling helmets necessary?
A recent social media post has sparked debate; are helmets necessary when cycling?
The post made by Millburn Academy in Inverness strongly encouraged all cyclists to wear helmets — including pupils getting to school via bike.
Comments on the post have since questioned this, stating that it is overall road safety which needs to be improved.
Currently, it is not compulsory by law to wear a helmet.
Cycling UK insist there is no justification for making helmet-wearing compulsory, as it says it could undermine levels of cycle use and the effectiveness of helmets is far from clear.
Lyn Steel agreed with Millburn Academy’s social media post, writing: “It’s a basic safety item and something that should be taught, and stuck to when learning to ride a bike.
“There’s always a risk of something happening, not just with cars. It’s up to the person on the bike to look after their own personal safety and to give themselves the best chance of survival in the worst case scenario.”
However, Stephen Kirby disagreed with this, saying it was ‘victim blaming’.
He said: “The problem is the cars rather than the kids; can't we rephrase by asking all the car drivers to be nice to the kids?”
Kay Louise Kelly said the post was not the best means to tackle people wearing helmets.
She also questioned the validity of the statement itself, saying that there are more effective measures to reduce road deaths and injuries.
She said: “I would be interested to see any evidence base for the effects of this kind of public campaign.
“I think a more targeted approach might be more effective in a school setting. Such as having a word with the pupil to remind them to wear a helmet and find out whether they need help overcoming obstacles, financial or other.”
The Inverness Courier spoke to experts in the cycling field on their thoughts on the matter.
Emily Williams is the bicycle mayor for Inverness and said the matter was nuanced and not clear cut.
“On an individual level it can be protective, but only if it is well fitting”, she commented.
“It is not holistic to just focus on children taking protective measures themselves.
“We need to focus on overall road safety by enforcing 20-mile-per-hour limits and close pass rules.”
She also emphasised that much more deaths take place due to physical inactivity.
“If people wearing helmets stops them from riding that’s counterproductive, as inactivity is an epidemic.”
Former international cyclist and partner of cycle shop Bikes of Inverness, Roddy Riddle, has however said that there is ‘no question’ that people should wear helmets.
He insisted it is a life-saving piece of protective equipment.
“I used to help with Cycling Proficiency [now called Bikeability]. “We wouldn’t allow them to take part without a helmet. It is a vital thing.
“I’ve seen so many people who have been in accidents – the helmets saved them.
“I’ve not encountered any young people who don’t want to wear one. Helmets are so light and breathable, nowadays and they look good – they are not like the early 90s.
“In professional cycling, all the contestants need to wear them.”
But, Mr Riddle has said that he doesn’t believe helmet wearing should be a compulsory measure at the moment, but this could change in the future.
“We have old-school people who think we shouldn’t, as they have never had one in their lives.
“But saying that, it should be the way forward for the younger generation.”
