NATIONWIDE INITIATIVE TO GIVE FREE CYCLE HELMETS TO KIDS
Left to Right: Alastair White, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, Miranda Barty-Taylor, Mary Dryburgh, Victoria Aquino; Richard Simpson MSP
Specialist cycling lawyers, Cycle Law Scotland (www.cyclelawscotland.co.uk), have joined forces with brain injury charities, The Child Brain Injury Trust and Headway to launch an initiative to improve cycle safety among children.
The Cycle Safety Roadshow, launched today at Govan’s Lorne Street Primary School, will be touring a number of schools across Scotland delivering workshops to improve awareness of the dangers of not wearing a helmet and raising awareness of acquired brain injury among children.
At the event attended by Deputy First Minister, Health Secretary, and MSP for Glasgow Southside, Nicola Sturgeon and Shadow Health Minister, Dr Richard Simpson, each child taking part will receive a free cycling helmet, donated by Cycle Law Scotland and Halfords, as part of the initiative’s “Great Cycle Helmet Giveaway”.
According to the latest Scottish Government statistics, there were 149 child cycling casualties in 2009.
For solicitor with Cycle Law Scotland, Victoria Aquino, improving safety is all about changing attitudes:
"At Cycle Law Scotland we see first hand the damage that cycling accidents can have on people. As cyclists we know only too well the dangers of the road and the importance of promoting safe cycling as early as possible. The key to making people safer on their bikes is by changing attitudes. This is what these road-shows are all about.
We’re here to tell children that it is vitally important when you’re out on your bike to wear a helmet. Some children may think that they don’t want to because it’s not what their friends do, but hopefully today we’ll get the message across that a helmet and safe cycling is the only way to cycle.
We’re all delighted that Ms Sturgeon and Dr Simpson have come along today to show their support for this initiative.”
Mary Dryburgh, of the Child Brain Injury Trust, said:
“Brain injury is the biggest cause of death and disability in young people in the UK. Events such as these get children thinking about staying safe when cycling as well as the effects a brain injury can have."
Headway, have a total of 13 branches helping teenagers and adults with brain injuries across Scotland get support and helping them return to community living. Gaille McCann works with Headway in Glasgow. She said:
“This is a great opportunity to get the message across about the challenges people with brain injuries face in a way that interests the kids. At Headway we aim to prevent brain injuries, educate people about the challenges and support those affected continue a happy and active life. Hopefully they’ll take away the message that it’s important to be safe cyclists and caring to those with brain injuries.”
Speaking of the event Head-teacher at Lorne Street Primary School, Ms Marjori Thompson, added:
“I and the staff at Lorne Street Primary School are delighted to welcome everyone involved in the Cycle Safety Roadshow and both Ms Sturgeon and Dr Simpson. Events like this really enrich our pupils’ education and understanding of the world around them. I’m sure they’ll make great use of the cycle helmets and come away knowing just how important bike safety is.”
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy and MSP for Glasgow Southside, Nicola Sturgeon attended the event and presented the children with their helmets along with Shadow Health Minister Dr Richard Simpson.
Nicola Sturgeon MSP said:
“I’m delighted to support this initiative and welcome the fact that it’s being launched here in Govan. Cycling is a great way to get exercise and promote healthier lifestyles in communities across Scotland, but it’s important that it’s done safely. To see the Child Brain Injury Trust, Headway and Cycle Law Scotland all come together to promote cycle safety in our schools shows how important this issue is.
We need to encourage a new generation of safety conscious cyclists and better awareness of the needs of people with brain injuries. I have no doubt that this initiative will do just that.”
Dr Richard Simpson MSP, said:
“Safety is vitally important when cycling. People might think wearing a helmet or safety wear is an optional extra. It should never be seen that way. Educating children about the benefits of wearing safety gear and giving them helmets is a great way to get that message across. I welcome the fact that Cycle Law Scotland, the Child Brain Injury Trust and Headway have come together to offer these road-shows. It’s a great initiative and I’m delighted to get behind it.”
