§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action his Department is taking to promote the wearing of helmets by cyclists; and if he will make a statement. [16343]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe Department's Cycle Safe campaign includes the production of posters and educational literature which promote the wearing of cycle helmets. Publicity is distributed to local Road Safety Officers, teachers and the police. Advice to wear helmets is contained in the Highway Code and the Highway Code for Young Road Users. One million copies of the Young Road Users Code are distributed free each year to schools.
We encourage local authorities to co-ordinate what they are doing on cycle safety publicity with the Department's campaign so that the messages are reinforced. We will continue to review ways of promoting the wearing of cycle helmets and wearing rate surveys will be made to determine the success of local and national campaigns.