Compulsory helmets 'would put people off cycling'

COMPELLING cyclists to wear helmets would put people off riding, a Jersey deputy said last night.

Daniel Wimberley was guest speaker at last evening's Guernsey Bicycle Group annual general meeting.

He outlined the benefits of improving cycle facilities in the Channel Islands but warned: 'If wearing a cycle helmet was compulsory there will be fewer cyclists.

'We need to promote cycling as much as possible and inform people of the benefits, like less land being needed for parking and things like that.

'If there are more cyclists then the safer they will be – it's all about safety in numbers.'

Deputy Wimberley has been campaigning against a proposal by fellow Jersey deputy Andrew Green, who believes wearing a helmet while cycling should be compulsory.

'He is looking at it from a very narrow view,' said Deputy Wimberley.

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