Helmets to be made mandatory for cyclists in Jamaica

Director of the Road Safety Unit (RSU) Kenute Hare said "A large number of cyclists do not wear helmets and it is cause for concern.”

He told Auto that a revised Road Traffic Act, expected to take effect this year, will mandate the use of helmets for pedal cyclists as well as motor cyclists.

This change will allow cops to prosecute persons riding bicycles without a helmet. Currently the law speaks only to motor cyclists.

According to Hare police will be stepping up the prosecution of cyclists not wearing helmets.

"It is internationally proven that the wearing of helmets save lives in collisions," said an emphatic Hare.