Cycling Education Needed, Not Toothless Helmet Law

For immediate release: September 28, 1995

The announcement that Ontario's Mandatory Helmet Legislation, due to take effect Sunday, Oct. 1, will only apply to cyclists under 18 was greeted with mixed feelings by local cyclists.

"We're glad the government has recognized that the police should not be spending their time chasing bare-headed cyclists," said Brett Delmage, president of Citizens for Safe Cycling. "Police are busy enough trying to control the dangerous cycling and driving behaviours that cause traffic collisions."

Gavin MacPhail, Education and Safety Program Coordinator for Citizens for Safe Cycling, was disappointed the government has not taken a more positive approach to improving cycling safety. "Cycling education and training, especially for children, is needed to reduce all cycling injuries," he noted. "If kids don't have the skills and knowledge to ride safely, they are still going to get hurt, helmet or not. We don't see any evidence that the government is concerned about that."

Increasing the number of cyclists and motorists who drive less aggressively and with more attention to the rules of the road will reduce cycling injuries far more than a helmet law ever would, MacPhail said. Delmage agreed, and pointed out that simple solutions like fixing potholes and cracks and sweeping debris off streets will also reduce cyclist crashes.

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Contact: Gavin MacPhail, CfSC Cycling Education and Safety Coordinator   567-1288 Fax: 729-2207

 

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