Cycle Helmets

A study conducted in Northern Ireland revealed that 77% of cycle helmets examined did not comply with requirements for safety.

The market surveillance exercise was carried out by Environmental Health Departments of local Councils throughout Northern Ireland. Tests indicated that while the requirements for shock absorption capacity and effectiveness of the retention system were mostly being met, 77% failed in relation to marking and/or information supplied by the manufacturer.

Action taken as a result of the failures included local withdrawal of products, liaison with other enforcement agencies and further testing.

The results have been presented to the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills in London and to European colleagues in Prague. Other European countries plan to use the findings for their own market surveillance projects.

As a result of the findings, leaflets and posters have been designed to provide customers with safety information when choosing and wearing helmets.

Leaflet – Here’s the crack

Further information in relation to the study and the promotional material can be found on the website www.keepyourheadintact.co.uk (link no longer active)