Montgomeryshire Assembly Member, Russell George, is backing a campaign that is encouraging young cyclists not to ride unless they wear a helmet.
Road safety campaigners BRAKE and the Bicycle Helmet Initiative Trust (BHIT), are jointly supporting a campaign with Powys County Council and Dyfed Powys Police, which will engage local schools to raise awareness of the dangers of not wearing a cycle helmet.
The campaign week runs from 3-9 March 2013, which will include the emergency services and the Council’s Road Safety Officer, visiting local high schools with a presentation and information packs in a bid to change personal attitudes to cycling road safety.
The week will conclude on Saturday 9 March in Newtown town centre, where the supporting agencies will be present offering advice and information to members of the public and they will be backed by Mr George and local MP, Glyn Davies, who will be attending to raise the profile of the event.
Commenting, Mr George said:
"I’m extremely pleased to be supporting this campaign as the safety of our children on the road has to be paramount.
"I have recently been approached by constituent, Val Barkley, whose twelve year old son Jake suffered serious head injuries last year as a result of falling off his bike without the benefit of wearing a helmet.
"Since Val contacted me, another young boy has also suffered the same fate and was seriously ill in hospital with severe head trauma.
"Both mothers are concerned that other children are risking serious injury or even death because they are reluctant to wear helmets whilst on their bikes.
"I want to thank all those involved in this important campaign, particularly BRAKE and BHIT and for the continued efforts of the emergency services and Powys Council in their education outreach work with our local schools."
Mrs Barkley, who has been a local campaign activist following her son’s serious accident, said it was not legally mandatory to wear a cycle helmet on the road and that the general public would be shocked by the numbers who do not wear a helmet. She added:
"I approached Russell as I wanted others to be aware of the dangers of not wearing a helmet whilst out on their bike.
"I’m sure people will be amazed to know that there is no requirement for cyclists of any age to wear a helmet on roads anywhere in the British Isles.
"Statistics show that just a third of people wear cycling helmets and even more shocking, only a third of children wear helmets; this has to change.
"I’m really pleased that Russell, the emergency services and Powys County Council have arranged the campaign following Jakes accident last year.
"I know Jake was lucky and hope the campaign will make youngsters think of the dangers before going out on their bike without a helmet."
The High School visiting schedule is:
Tuesday 5th March - Llanfyllin
Wednesday 6th March - Llanidloes
Thursday 7th March - Newtown
Friday 8th March - Brynllwyarch