Parliament Workbench

Petition · PE01679 · Session 5

Cycle helmets in Scotland

Closed Submitted 24 Nov 2017 Transport
Signatures
0
83 online signatures with a country
Comments
16
Considered
1 meeting
in the Official Report

What it asks

Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to introduce legislation or a national information campaign to ensure people wear helmets when cycling in Scotland.

What the petitioner did first

I have been in contact with Miles Briggs MSP and Jamie Greene MSP to try to resolve this issue. They have both agreed there is no legislation for this currently and would like to support me with this petition.

Where it was considered

Official Report
  1. 22 Mar 2018
    Public Petitions Committee
    New Petition
    1 mention

Signatures by country

83 online signatures
  1. Scotland63 75.9%
  2. United Kingdom19 22.9%
  3. England1 1.2%

Comments

16 comments, oldest first
  1. Helen Murray 24 Nov 2017
    I drive around the university area of Edinburgh frequently and some bikes have no lights, cyclists wearing no reflective clothing. This has to be tackled as well as helmets
  2. Donald McHarrie 27 Nov 2017
    A cyclist using a helmet is like a motorist wearing a seat belt! So it should be compulsory to wear a helmet while cycling seems logical!
  3. Fiona Scobie 27 Nov 2017
    Should be compulsory as it could save a life !!!
  4. John MacInnes 27 Nov 2017
    As an educated person and health professional, could you please explain why the countries with compulsory cycle helmet laws, are also those with the highest cyclist casualty rate whereas countries with low cycle helmet use have the lowest cyclist casualty rates?
  5. CAROLE REARDON 27 Nov 2017
    Yes should definitly be law
  6. Moira Macdonald 27 Nov 2017
    Also wear hi-vis garments.
  7. Catherine Sykes 27 Nov 2017
    Helmets should be compulsory on all roads
  8. Colin elliott 27 Nov 2017
    No age limit all types of bikes
  9. Margaret Kendrick 28 Nov 2017
    I would prioritise hi-vis garments as being seen clearly may prevent an accident but using both items is sensible
  10. Rod Mitchell 28 Nov 2017
    I do not support this at all. Like skiing, wearing a helmet makes sense and gives protection to one's head (up to a point), but it should not be mandatory or compulsory. It is just sensible and parents should encourage all children to wear a helmet from the first time they step onto a bike. It will then be second nature (like wearing a seatbelt).
  11. Sandra McNeil 28 Nov 2017
    Hi Viz & helmets
  12. Malcolm Liddle 28 Nov 2017
    Why do all of the countries with very hgh bike usage rates have hardly anybody wearing helmets?
  13. Iain Bruce 30 Nov 2017
    I agree on the principle that cycle helmets should be worn by youngsters using bicycles etc. However, the various experts from manufacturers, professional cyclists and even evidence from countries where bikes are much more in use must be consulted before passing this as a law.

    The biggest issue is that the road traffic around Scottish cities, towns and in rural areas need to be isolated from cyclists by introducing proper lanes which are not directly beside motor vehicles.

    Our current infrastructure around Scotland needs to be vastly improved, with better facilities and safer routes the number of cyclists will increase. Obviously the elements and weather conditions are out of our control, but if people are made to feel safe and encouraged to cycle then it will benefit towns by reducing exhaust emissions and congestion.
  14. Celia Nyssens 8 Dec 2017
    I'm strongly against this proposal, I believe it would deter many people from commuting by bike or just cycling around town casually, myself first. Cyclists can judge whether a helmet would protect them or make them feel safer, but I see no value in making them compulsory. The main threat to cyclists comes from cars so the car, taxi, and bus drivers are the ones who should be the target of a national information campaign. A low-hanging fruit would be to stop people parking on cycle lanes all over town. And I echo other comments: better infrastructure is also crucial to improve the safety of cyclists and encourage more people to cycle. The impact of such a proposal should be carefully examined before changing the law, surely the Government doesn't want to reduce cycling in favour of cars, that would be a setback for urban air quality, public health, and climate change.
  15. Jenny Lockhart 14 Dec 2017
    I agree that better infrastructure will help reduce injuries to cyclists. However, someone can come off their bike for a multitude of reasons (related to the cyclist, a car or local infrastructure) and if I am about to smack my head on a concrete road my common sense tells me I would like to be wearing a helmet than not. Professional cyclists wear helmets
    - why are we different? It also sets a good example for future generations.
  16. B Groves 21 Dec 2017
    I agree in principle, and do personally wear my helmet 95% of the time. However I don't want to fear a fine if I don't.

    I also agree that those under 16 should be required to wear a helmet.

    Why put a law on the books that would not truly be enforced anyway, as we do not have the resources. Awareness and perhaps a helmet campaign to provide helmets to those that feel that can't afford them seems a better use of time and resources in my humble opinion.

    However I do applaud the consideration this matter is being given.