ROYAL Mail will be requiring all cycling posties to wear a cycle helmet from October 1.

Many may think this is a good idea to improve safety. Only when the detailed research is looked at closely do you start to question this assumption.

When Australia introduced helmet laws, about 80 per cent of cyclists killed were wearing helmets. In that country, about 80 per cent of cyclists wore helmets, which shows lives were not being saved. Other data also raises questions about the expected benefits of helmets.

Royal Mail admits safety experts have differing views on helmets.

After hearing evidence, the Cyclists' Touring Club voted in 1997 for the removal of advice from the Highway Code for cyclists to wear helmets.

There is no legal requirement for cyclists to wear helmets and Royal Mail should allow postmen and women to have the same choice as everyone else who uses a bicycles.

To support postal workers in having a choice, a telephone helpline is available (01759 373045) and detailed information at www.cyclehelmets.org.

C Clarke,

Secretary, CTC Yorkshire and Humber Region,

The Crescent,

Stamford Bridge, York.

Updated: 11:53 Monday, September 29, 2003