IAM runs poll on cycle helmet compulsion, plus how cyclists' safety can be improved

Road safety charity the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) is currently running a poll on its website that seeks to assess cyclists’ views on the issue of helmet compulsion. It’s a topical subject for the poll, given the recent Private Member’s bill introduced to the Northern Ireland Assembly that seeks to make the wearing of cycle helmets compulsory in the Province.

Despite its name, the IAM is increasingly focusing on issues affecting cyclists, as well as providing cycle training, and last month launched a new membership category specifically for bike riders.

You’ll find the poll here. It only takes a couple of minutes to complete and is open to non-members as well as non-cyclists, but the more cyclists who respond, the more representative the results will hopefully be.

The poll isn’t a straight ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ choice between whether or not helmets should be made compulsory, with other questions asking whether you or someone close to you has been involved in an accident in which a helmet prevented injury, for example.

The final question asks your opinion on the three most important cycle safety measures, and of the choice of seven factors provided, we’re disappointed that all of them are centred on the cyclist, rather than other road users, for instance requiring cycle awareness training to be undertaken before a new driver takes to the road.

Having said that, there is a choice for ‘Other’ with a comment box alongside it, so if there are issues not mentioned that you feel deserve inclusion, feel free to do so and perhaps let us know what you’ve told IAM in the comments box below.