Written question asked by Lord Bruce of Bennachie (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 19 June 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 28 June 2007. It was answered by Stephen Ladyman (Labour) on Thursday, 28 June 2007 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Cycling: Helmets

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to promote the wearing of cycle helmets by (a) children, (b) teenagers and (c) the general population.

Answer: For children the Department has set up the ““Hedgehogs”” website www.hedgehogs.gov.uk and publishes ““Arrive Alive”” (A Highway Code for young road users).For teenagers the Department has set up the ““Cycle Sense”” safety campaign encouraging teenagers to wear helmets. The campaign consists of a series of posters, a website www.cvclesense.co.uk and a supporting TV filler film. At the end of February Think! launched a new teen road safety campaign with MTV. This will include an advertisement on cycling safety encouraging helmet wearing and will air on MTV channels week commencing 16 July.For adults and the general cycling population the Driving Standards Agency publishes The Highway Code which encourages all cyclists to wear a helmet.

Secondary information