A Conservative MP has criticised the Department for Transport (DfT) for ‘burying’ figures concerning cycling accident fatalities on the nation’s roads.

DfT figures show that the deaths of one in seven cyclists in accidents could be avoided if they were wearing helmets, however Peter Bone, MP for Wellingborough, says that the department has failed to act despite making a promise that it would take action if it could be proved that wearing a helmet saved lives.

The study, which comprised of over 100 police reports and hospital records of fatal crashes found that as many as 16% of deaths could have been avoided if the cyclist had been wearing some form of head protection. It found that helmets proved particularly beneficial for children.

However Mr Bone, who wants to make it compulsory for under-15s to wear helmets, said he was disgusted that the government has not publicised the research. He added: “If somebody said 16 per cent of people who died in road accidents could be saved, you would bite their hand off. But there has been no press conference, no press release. I believe individuals can make up their own minds whether they want to kill themselves. Youngsters can't, however, and we have to do it for them.”

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23816424-cycle-helmets-do-save-lives-but-the-proof-has-been-buried-says-mp.do

CALL 0800 0322210 - or if preferred contact our discreet ONLINE CHAT LINE - or complete our enquiry form opposite.