Is it compulsory to wear a Cycle Helmet?
The short answer to that is “no” at present. However the position is currently under review as Mark Pawsey MP recently introduced the Road Safety (Cycle Helmets) Bill 2022-23 in the House of Commons, which, if passed will require a person riding a bicycle on the public highway to wear a safety helmet.
The Bill had its first reading in June and is due its second reading scheduled for 24th November 2023.
Mr Pawsey was motivated to raise the matter in Parliament partly as a result of learning of a constituent who, at aged 15, fell off his bike leaving him with a serious brain injury. Oliver’s doctor told him that if he was wearing a helmet, any injury he would’ve sustained would have been far less severe.
Apart from the human cost of more serious injuries there are also potential consequences in a personal injury claim. Even though it is not compulsory to wear a helmet if you are involved in an accident that is not your fault and wearing a helmet would have lessened your injuries the Court will reduce your compensation by as much as 25%.
At Gotelee our team of Personal injury lawyers see this at first hand and have acted for a number of clients injured whilst cycling. A cyclist can suffer serious injuries even in a low velocity collision where wearing a helmet is most likely to make a significant difference. We support the Bill and would like to see the wearing of cycle helmets compulsory.
How can our personal injury lawyers help you?
If you have been injured we can advise you on a “no win no fee” basis and help you get access to rehabilitation and compensation.
Please contact us on 01473 298134 for a free no win no fee appointment.
