Inverness social media post sparks debate: Are bike helmets necessary?

A recent social media post has sparked a debate: Are helmets necessary when cycling?

A post from Millburn Academy in Inverness strongly recommended that all cyclists wear a helmet – including students who cycle to school.

In comments on the article, this has now been questioned and it has been argued that general road safety needs to be improved.

There is currently no legal requirement to wear a helmet.

Cycling UK insists there is no justification for compulsory helmet use as it could affect cycling and the effectiveness of helmets is far from clear.

Lyn Steel echoed Millburn Academy’s social media post, writing: “It’s a basic safety measure and something that should be taught and observed when learning to ride a bike.

“It’s not just with cars that there’s always a risk that something could happen. It’s the cyclist’s responsibility to ensure their own personal safety and, in the worst case scenario, to give themselves the best chance of survival.”

Stephen Kirby, however, contradicted this and said it was “victim blaming”.

He said: “The problem is more the cars than the children. Can’t we put it another way and ask all drivers to be nice to the children?”

Kay Louise Kelly said the post was not the best way to take action against helmet wearers.

She also questioned the validity of the statement itself, saying that there are more effective measures to reduce the number of deaths and injuries on the roads.

She said: “I would be interested to know whether there is any evidence of the impact of such public campaigns.

“I think a more targeted approach might be more effective in a school setting. For example, talking to the student, reminding them to wear a helmet, and finding out if they need help to overcome financial or other barriers.”

The Inverness Courier spoke to cycling experts about their thoughts on the subject.

Emily Williams, Inverness’ cycling mayor, said the issue was delicate and unclear.

“On an individual level, it can provide protection, but only if it fits well,” she comments.

“It is not holistic to just focus on children taking protective measures themselves.

“We need to focus on overall road safety by enforcing 20 mph speed limits and close passing rules.”

She also stressed that physical inactivity is the cause of far more deaths.

“If people who wear helmets can no longer ride their bikes, it is counterproductive because lack of exercise is an epidemic.”

However, former international cyclist and partner of bike shop Bikes of Inverness, Roddy Riddle, said there was “no question” that people should wear helmets.

He emphasized that it was a life-saving protective device.

“I used to work at Cycling Proficiency [now called Bikeability]“We wouldn’t let them participate without a helmet. It’s vital.”

“I’ve seen so many people have accidents – the helmets saved them.

“I have yet to meet a young person who doesn’t want to wear one. Helmets are so light and breathable these days and they look good – they’re not like they were in the early ’90s.”

“In professional cycling, all participants must wear them.”

However, Mr Riddle has said that he does not currently believe that wearing a helmet should be compulsory, but this may change in the future.

“There are old school people who think we shouldn’t do this because they’ve never had one in their lives.

“But still, this should be the way forward for the younger generation.”

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