Rewards For Young Helmet Wearers

YOUNG cyclists in and around Thame, seen wearing a cycling helmet, will be rewarded with on-the-spot prizes.
Run in partnership with community police forces and road safety officers throughout the UK, the scheme will reward thousands of youngsters aged 15 and under who are spotted wearing a cycle helmet by local Helmet Watch volunteers like Thame’s Cathy Gaulter-Carter.
Every on-the-spot prize envelope will include a keyring compass, information on how to fit a cycle helmet correctly and a prize draw card to fill in to try to win the first prize of a Center Parcs family holiday.
There will also be lots of runners up prizes of cycling products and surprise gifts.

Angela Lee, the founder and chief executive of The Bicycle Helmet Initiative Trust, said: “Nearly 40 per cent of all child cyclist deaths and casualties occur during the summer months because so many more youngsters are out on their bikes at this time of year.
“It?s great to see so many children on their bikes getting fitter in the process and doing their bit for the environment but common sense dictates they need to cycle as safely as possible and that includes wearing a cycle helmet.
“Helmet Watch is a fun way to reward children who wear a helmet and encourage those who don?t to wear one in the future.
“Each year we have been able to reward more and more youngsters and this year we hope to reach the 3,000 mark.”

NB Helmet watch say that, properly worn, a cycle helmet can reduce the risk of brain injury by up to 85 per cent.

Photo: Cathy Gaulter-Carter (2nd right) with Thame’s Mayor, Cllr David Laver, himself a keen cyclist, taking a well earned rest after a cycle ride.