A quarter of all parents who buy their child a bike for Christmas do not buy them a cycle helmet, according to Kirklees Council's Road Safety Unit.
More than half do not buy lights - even though it is a legal requirement for riding in the dark - and 85 per cent have never bought their children fluorescent or reflective clothing which would enable them to be seen more easily. Around 5,500 child cyclists were killed or injured on roads last year and around half the injuries received by cyclists are to the head or face.
Wearing a cycle helmet reduces the incidence and severity of head, brain and upper facial injuries for all cyclists, especially children.
The council is encouraging parents to book a safer cycling training course through their child's school or by contacting the Kirklees road safety group.
The Road Safety Unit has provided cycle dealers with safety information packs to be distributed with new cycles bought as Christmas presents. Call Kirklees Road Safety Unit on (01484) 221159 to get one.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article