NEW research has been published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ March 25, 2006) titled "Do enforced bicycle helmet laws improve public health? No clear evidence from countries that have enforced the wearing of helmets".)

The study examined the effects of enforced helmet laws in Canada, Australia and New Zealand and found that cycling was discouraged and no obvious effect could be detected in reducing rates of head injury.

This is timely as the Think Helmet campaigns are now being advertised on TV. A full report "The case against helmets and legislation" can be obtained by emailing colin@vood.freeserve.co.uk. It considers the risk (of not wearing and wearing a cycle helmet), health benefits, civil liberties and legislation effects.

Colin Clarke,

The Crescent,

Stamford Bridge,

York.

Updated: 11:49 Friday, May 19, 2006