Hong Kong cyclists call for public education to promote helmets but are divided on proposed law
Authorities earlier revealed they are drafting legislative amendments to require helmets and will introduce them to Legco in near future
Hong Kong’s cycling community has called for more public education about the importance of wearing helmets during the activity, but not all members agree with a government plan to mandate the practice.
The Transport Department said authorities were drafting amendments to the relevant legislation and would introduce the proposed changes to the Legislative Council in a timely manner.
According to police figures, the number of cyclists killed in traffic accidents between January and August stood at eight, double the figure for the same period last year. Six of the cyclists killed this year were not wearing helmets.
Cyclink co-founder Kacy Chan said the social enterprise supported the proposed amendments and encouraged those taking part in its classes to wear helmets.
The company offers beginner’s lessons and more advanced mountain cycling courses, with at least 10 minutes in each session devoted to ensuring students were wearing their protective gear correctly, she said.
But Chan said the proposed revamp should also be accompanied by more public education promoting the use of helmets.
