§ Miss LestorTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what studies his Department has commissioned on the safety benefits of cycle helmets; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleThe Transport Research Laboratory report, "Pedal Cycle Accidents—A Hospital Based Study", indicates that if helmets were universally worn over 4,000 casulaties would be prevented and the severity of over 3,000 serious casualties would be reduced. Child cyclists, in particular, would benefit from wearing helmets.
The Department is also carrying out further research into the design of protective headgear for pedal cyclists and motorcyclists.