A proposal for a law in order to make the use of a bicycle helmet mandatory during the use of a bicycle, was submitted today in Parliament by the DIKO MP, Chrysis Pantelidis.
The purpose of the proposed law is to amend the Law on Out-of-Court Settlement of Offenses, in order to include in Table I of the basic law the offense of non-use of a protective helmet by cyclists or by a person transported in a special seat or riding a bicycle for extrajudicial enforcement. fine.
It is noted that for this offense, an amendment to the Law on the Regulation of Bicycle Traffic of 2018 is being promoted, as amended, in order to make the non-use of a protective helmet an offense.
In a written statement, he said that given the many road accidents involving cyclists in recent years, he was of the opinion that the use of a cycling helmet should be made mandatory, as it is obvious that the helmet could prove to be a lifesaver in many cases. protecting citizens from certain death or serious injury.
According to Mr. Pantelidis, this new measure becomes even more necessary, but also urgent, taking into account that:
• A few days ago, the government correctly announced the implementation of a Bicycle Market Grant Scheme, with the sole purpose of encouraging the use of bicycles in Cyprus and with the ultimate goal of protecting the environment and reducing traffic congestion, which intensified in recent years in all urban centers.
• There is no complete and sufficient network of bicycle lanes and / or lanes in Cyprus, which puts cyclists even more at risk, being forced to use the roads and lanes of cars, buses, trucks and, in general, motor vehicles. vehicles.
• For many years now, the use of helmets has been mandatory for motorcyclists, a fact that helps to cultivate a culture of implementation of this new legal provision.
He concludes by stating that he hopes for a discussion and vote in favor of this Proposal in a Law, as soon as possible, in order to further improve the legal framework governing road safety in our country, to strengthen the cycling culture within the society and to consolidate respect for cyclists.
philenews.com