Hong Kong cyclists call for public education to promote helmets but divided on proposed law

Hong Kong’s cycling community have called for more public education about the importance of wearing helmets during the activity, but not all members of the scene have said they agree with the government’s plans to mandate the practice.

The Transport Department said authorities were drafting amendments to the relevant legislation and would introduce the proposed changes to the Legislative Council in a timely manner.

According to police figures, the number of cyclists killed in traffic accidents between January and August stood at eight, double the figure from the same period last year. Six of the cyclists killed this year were not wearing helmets.

Cyclink co-founder Kacy Chan said the social enterprise supported the proposed amendments and encouraged those taking part in its classes to wear helmets.

The company offers beginner’s lessons and more advanced mountain cycling courses, with at least 10 minutes in each session devoted to ensuring students were wearing their protective gear correctly, she said.

But Chan said the proposed revamp should also be accompanied by more public education promoting the use of helmets.