Filenews 4 November 2021
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 MP of DIKO, Chryssis Pantelidis.
The purpose of the proposed law is to amend the Extrajudicial Regulation of Offences Law, so as to include in Table I of the Basic Law the offence of non-use of a protective helmet by cyclists or by a person who is transported to a special seat or who is riding a bicycle for the imposition of an extrajudicial fine.
It is noted that for this offence, an amendment of the Bicycle Traffic Regulation Law of 2018, as amended, is being promoted at the same time, so that it becomes an offence not to use a protective helmet.
In a written statement, he says that taking into account the many road accidents involving cyclists/cyclists in recent years, he is of the opinion that the use of a bicycle helmet should be made mandatory, as it is obvious that the helmet may 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 announced, rightly, the implementation of a Bicycle Market Subsidy Scheme, with the aim, precisely, of encouraging the use of bicycles in Cyprus and with the ultimate goal of protecting the environment and reducing car congestion, which has been intensifying in recent years in all urban centres.
• there is no integrated and adequate network of cycle paths and/or cycle lanes in Cyprus, which poses an even greater risk to cyclists/cyclists, who are forced to use the roads and lanes of cars, buses, trucks and, in general, motor vehicles.
• for many years now, the use of a helmet has been mandatory for motorcyclists, which is helpful in cultivating a culture of application of this new legislative provision.
He concludes by stating that he hopes to discuss and vote in support of this Proposal into Law, as soon as possible, so as to further improve the legislative framework governing road safety in our country, to strengthen the cycling culture within society and to consolidate respect for cyclists/ cyclists.
