In face of Martlew helmet compulsion Bill, Cambridge MP Anne Campbell didn’t wait for the verdict of the House of Commons Select Committee on obesity to leap to cycling’s defence. According to BikeBiz, weeks ago Campell lodged an Early Day Motion in the Commons urging MPs to recognise the role cycling could and should play in reducing the numbers of overweight children. So far a pitiable 15 MPs have signed in support of the motion.

We’re aware that RCUK reader opinion is split on the issue of helmet compulsion, but our own position is that while helmet use is to be encouraged, the main effect of helmet compulsion for children would be fewer children cycling.

You can read the full motion below and if you want to contact your MP to encourage them to sign one easy way is the House of Commons MP locator which finds your MP by postcode and gives you address, phone number, email etc. You can also usually Fax your MP
but the site was having technical difficulties last we looked at it.

That this House recognises that the greatest threat to child health is obesity; agrees that encouraging sport and an active lifestyle in children is essential to preventing obesity in childhood and later life; while welcoming moves to encourage the use of cycle helmets, is persuaded that making it a criminal offence for children to cycle without wearing a helmet will discourage children from cycling and have a detrimental effect on child obesity; agrees that this health risk is far greater than the risks of head injury posed by cycling; and calls on the Government, not to criminalise young cyclists, but to encourage cycling and make it safer by improving cycle lanes and facilities around the country and promoting the potential benefits of wearing a helmet.