Helmeted young cyclists rewarded

The charity said the scheme had overwhelming support from the police

Wiltshire Police are supporting a new road safety scheme which rewards young cyclists spotted wearing their helmet.

Helmet Watch was started by the Bicycle Helmet Initiative Trust (BHIT) to help cut the risk of head injuries in an accident.

Police are working with the charity to hand out instant prize packs to young riders seen sporting a helmet.

They contain a puzzle tray, a yo-yo and a bookmark with details on the proper fitment of the head-protectors.

Overwhelming support

The child then has the chance to enter into a national draw for bigger prizes.

Wiltshire Police Sergeant Simon Garrett said: "This is a really exciting initiative, which we are fully supporting.

"This project offers an incentive for young people to wear cycle helmets and to begin thinking and learning about road safety from a young age."

BHIT's chief executive Angie Lee said the charity had been overwhelmed by the support of police forces throughout the UK.

"Head injury is simply devastating and children and young people risk the effects daily by not wearing a helmet because they fear pressure from peers and the need to conform to a designer image that is not portrayed as 'cool'," she said.

The funding for the scheme has come from the winnings of Formula 1 racing driver David Coulthard and his fiancée Karen Minier.

Helmet Watch will run in Swindon and Wiltshire until 1 December, taking in two of the highest risk periods for child cyclists - the summer holidays and darkening evenings.