Children's cycle helmets warning

Last year, more than 14,000 young cyclists were killed or injured

A summer holiday campaign reminding young people to always wear helmets when out cycling is under way.

Hampshire Constabulary's "Stop, Look, Listen" scheme is aimed at stopping children and their parents from becoming complacent about safety.

The project is part of a national initiative launched to reduce the number of young cyclists who are hurt.

Last year, more than 14,000 children were killed or injured as they crossed Britain's roads.

Evidence shows helmets offer substantial protection against head injury and there is a strong association between increasing helmet use and declining injury rates, according to Edinburgh University's Professor Sheikh.

Along with colleagues from the Health Commission and Imperial College, he studied evidence from the US, New Zealand and Australia.

Professor Sheikh's team argue that cycle helmets should be made a legal requirement.

Opponents on the other hand believe making helmets mandatory for cyclists removes individual choice, infringing on civil liberties.

They also worry that cyclists will be so put off they will stop using this healthy mode of transport.