Cyclists not wering helmets on our walkways.

Cyclists should wear helmets on New Plymouth's walkways when they have to. They need to do it at Pukekera Park, The Puke Ariki Landing and the beach because they are supposed to be roads. The police did Operation Skidlid when the officers are on push bikes checking on the walkways for people who are wearing helmets. In 2011 the police were not giving out tickets to the non wearing helmet cyclists on the walkway. Because it was a grey area. But they changed there minds in 2012 after doing some researching. "Some people put up sings on the coastal walkway in 2012 and decided to not do it for some reason." Sergent George White said. "The main reason for the campaign was try not let head injuries happen." "Which is a mayor cost for the national health budget." The law was put in place to try and stop some of those injuries." During the first week of Operation Skidlid which runs till 14 February cyclists were not wearing a helmet. "It's not just walkways we monitor. They are looking for cyclists on the streets and footpaths." He said. " We had a cause recently where an elderly lady came out of a shop like people do. And a young kid on a bike went zooming past and knocked her over." White said. "She ended up in hospital." All public thoroughfares where bicycles are allowed were classed as roads and there has been regular publicity about the need to wear a helmet.
"Wearing a helmet is common sense." He siad.

- Flynn's News