New Limavady cycle helmet scheme initiative
Thursday, 11 September 2008
PSNI constable Alastair Bell of the Neighbourhood Policing team launched the ‘Helmet Watch’ initiative last week.
POLICE officers in Limavady are involved in a new initiative to encourage young cyclists to be more safety conscious.
Constable Alastair Bell, who is part of the Neighbourhood Policing Team, believes the scheme will prove popular in the area. "Wearing a cycle helmet is probably one of the most low cost methods of protecting cyclists. It can reduce the severity of injury by up to 85 percent. There is a wide array of cycle helmet styles available to suit even the most discerning young cyclist, thus ensuring they are better protected on the road.
"Members of the Limavady Neighbourhood Policing Teams will be on the lookout for cyclists who demonstrate good practice by wearing their safety helmets.
“If we spot a cyclist under the age of 15 wearing their helmets, they will be given a free on the spot reward pack containing a puzzle tray or yoyo, as well as a bookmark that provides details on the proper fitment of helmets.
“The child then has the chance to enter into a national draw for bigger prizes."
The drive to encourage young people to set the trend and wear their cycle helmets has been instigated by the Bicycle Helmet Initiative Trust, www.bhit.org.
They have enlisted the help of local police services and road safety officers for this national campaign.
Constable Bell, who himself is a keen cyclist, reflected that given recent cycling successes at the Beijing Olympics young people in the Limavady Borough may be inspired to achieve similar biking accomplishments in the future. He added: "It would be a shame if some future talent were to be ruined as a result of not wearing a cycle helmet so I would encourage parents to ensure their child is properly protected when on their bicycle." The Helmet Watch scheme will run until December 1 2008.
