The man responsible for promoting cycle safety in Oxford today revealed he never wears a helmet and he believes there is too much hype about their protective qualities.

The city council's cycle officer, Nigel Coats, said it was a personal choice not to wear headgear despite his high-profile role.

Mr Coats sparked complaints after he was pictured in the Oxford Mail's campaign on cycle safety without a helmet.

Now the matter will be discussed before councillors who may decide the officer should wear head protection when publicly promoting safety issues. But Mr Coats said: "It's entirely my personal choice that I don't wear a helmet and I don't believe anyone should be told to wear one. There is far too much hype about how useful helmets are and there is no evidence to suggest wearing one significantly reduces injuries during impact.

"If my employers decide I have to wear one when I appear in the public eye then so be it, but what I do in my own time is up to me."

But accident specialists say he should set an example to others. Roger Vincent, of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, said: "The studies we have seen show that wearing a cycle helmet significantly reduces serious head injuries."

And Cllr Jean Fooks, chairman of the council's highways and traffic committee, added: "You shouldn't preach at other people if you don't do it yourself."