Helmet push getting through to cyclists

Press, 9 December 1988, Page 7

Helmet push getting through to cyclists

Cyclists are using their heads in Christchurch and wearing safety helmets, after more than two years of the Ministry of Transport promoting their use. The Ministry’s campaign has been taken up by community groups and many schools. The Ministry’s road traffic instructor, Mr Ray Mills, said the use of safety helmets by cyclists, especially children, had grown to almost 40 per cent in just three months. That is more than

double the use in Septem-' ber, when a survey showed only 18 per cent wearing them. A publicity campaign and greater awareness of the dangers had brought the increase, Mr Mills said. The most recent Ministry survey was on Tuesday at the intersection of Parkstone Road, Brodie Street, and Athol Terrace. The survey counted primary and secondary students as well as adults. . The promotion has included displays at schools

and colleges, and has been particularly successful in Palmerston North and Christchurch, both cities with large numbers of cyclists. Research has shown that 75 per cent of injuries to cyclists are to the head. Such injuries can cause brain damage. “When parents buy a cycle for Christmas they should also get a helmet. If they already have a bicycle then the next gift should be a safety he' met,” he said.