A chara, – Emmet Mordaunt (former cycle courier) claims that, “contrary to popular belief, cycling is not dangerous” (March 9th) and on this basis, there is no need to wear a helmet when cycling. Contrary to his belief, 54 cyclists were killed in Ireland between 2005 and 2009; in the region of 3,000 were injured – many of these injuries were significant.
Death rates while cycling are falling. This is probably due to increased safety awareness (including an increase in helmet wearing). I am a helmet-wearing cyclist, and consultant in emergency medicine at Mr Mordaunt’s local trauma centre. – Is mise,