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02/02/2011
Medics Back Compulsory Cycle Helmets
This week's news that Stormont politicians voted to make the wearing of cycle helmets compulsory has been warmly welcomed by local doctors.
The second stage of the Cyclists (Protective Headgear) Bill was passed by a margin of two votes and on becoming law any cyclists not wearing a helmet will be liable for a £50 fine.
While cycling organisations have warned it could lead to a dramatic drop in the number of people who cycle, Dr Paul Darragh, Chairman of the BMA's Council in Northern Ireland said: "BMA welcomes that the Cyclists (Protective Headgear) Bill - sponsored by Mr Pat Ramsey - has been passed by the Assembly.
"As part of a range of measures to improve cycling safety, BMA has advocated that cycle helmet wearing should be made compulsory.
"It is doctors who witness and treat the range of cycle related injuries after they occur and see first hand the devastating impacts cycling injuries can have."
Dr Darragh concluded: "Best evidence supports the use of cycle helmets. They have been shown to reduce the risk of head injury and its severity should it occur in non-fatal collisions.
"The consequences of traumatic brain injury are significant not only to the individual involved, but to their families and to society as a whole."
(BMcC/GK)
The second stage of the Cyclists (Protective Headgear) Bill was passed by a margin of two votes and on becoming law any cyclists not wearing a helmet will be liable for a £50 fine.
While cycling organisations have warned it could lead to a dramatic drop in the number of people who cycle, Dr Paul Darragh, Chairman of the BMA's Council in Northern Ireland said: "BMA welcomes that the Cyclists (Protective Headgear) Bill - sponsored by Mr Pat Ramsey - has been passed by the Assembly.
"As part of a range of measures to improve cycling safety, BMA has advocated that cycle helmet wearing should be made compulsory.
"It is doctors who witness and treat the range of cycle related injuries after they occur and see first hand the devastating impacts cycling injuries can have."
Dr Darragh concluded: "Best evidence supports the use of cycle helmets. They have been shown to reduce the risk of head injury and its severity should it occur in non-fatal collisions.
"The consequences of traumatic brain injury are significant not only to the individual involved, but to their families and to society as a whole."
(BMcC/GK)
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28 March 2014
DSD To Spend Over £300,000 On Giro Route
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