Leading article: Hats off

The 68 per cent of subscribers to the British Medical Journal who say they are against making it compulsory for cyclists to wear a helmet are providing a welcome contribution to the debate about cycle safety.

The surge in cycling in recent years has been good news on so many levels, and legislation that discourages bike use (which compulsory helmet-use surely would) must be resisted.

Cycling is not dangerous per se, and evidence that helmet use reduces injuries is inconclusive. This is not to downplay the importance of cycle safety, but it's time the onus was put on the motorist, not the bike user.