SIR - I trust Ed Lehmann, of the Cycling Touring Club, James Styring, of Cyclox, and the Conservative Party are happy with themselves, seeing that they have all but killed the likelihood of The Protective Headgear for Young Cyclists Bill becoming law (Oxford Mail, April 20 and 24).

Seeing that the Cycling Touring Club and Cyclox repeatedly harp on about cycling and road safety, I would have thought they would have welcomed the initiative.

As a keen cyclist and motorcyclist, I have no problem with wearing a helmet and have on more than one occasion been grateful I have.

I believe requiring young cyclists to wear a helmet when on public roads is to be commended.

Indeed, the Bill doesn't go far enough in requiring all cyclists to wear a helmet when cycling in public.

Mr Lehmann's claim that cycle helmets can aggravate injuries if involved in a crash is completely meaningless.

Over the years during which motorcyclists have had to wear crash helmets and motorists have had to use seat belts, there have been occasions when people have been killed or seriously injured by the very measures intended to save them.

For motorcyclists, this is typically because the helmet rim gets caught on something resulting in the head being yanked back and the neck broken. Motorists have been trapped in burning or submerged vehicles following an accident, unable to escape because the seat belt release won't work.

Thankfully, such occurrences are rare and are far outweighed by the benefits.

Seeing that other road users have to take responsibility for their own safety and make use of safety aids, it is high-time cyclists were made to do the same. Those who opposed the Bill have not only killed any chance of it becoming law, but are putting at risk any cyclist involved in an accident.

BARRY LOVELL

Ash Close

Faringdon