MORE than 3,000 youngsters in Hull are set to be handed free cycle helmets in a bid to improve their safety.
Last year, Hull City Council saw more than 1,000 children take part in its fun cycle proficiency programme.
Now, every school pupil who takes part in the council's Bikeability scheme over the next three years will receive a free helmet.
The announcement has been made during the National Road Safety Week campaign, which runs until Sunday.
The council's road safety officer Allan Robins said: "We deliver the Bikeability programme to thousands of youngsters.
"When they start the scheme the children will be given the helmet, which they then keep.
"Around 1,100 to 1,200 kids will take part this year and we will provide the free helmets for the next three years."
The money has come from the council's road safety budget and from the Department for Transport.
Mr Robins said: "We identified that some parents were struggling to afford cycle helmets for their children.
"The helmets will be made to fit each child and are of an excellent quality."
The scheme was launched at Appleton Primary School in west Hull last week.
Headteacher Mary Langton said: "This is an excellent idea which will help with road safety.
"We are carrying out our own road safety projects during the week and this has been a great way to start it off. The children are really pleased with their free helmets.
"They come in nice colours and are made to fit each child. Not every parent can afford the helmets so this is great news."
Year 6 pupils Daisy Smith and Logan Anderson have already tried their helmets.
Daisy said: "It is really good to get a free helmet. I will wear mine all the time to keep safe.
"I like the different colours and the choices."
Logan said: "I think it is useful to get a helmet and very generous of the council to give us one each.
"I was going to ask for one for Christmas and now I don't need to. I will use it every time I ride my bike."
Hull City Council is launching two other road safety initiatives targeting the young and older drivers.
According to road safety group Brake, one in four drivers aged between 17 and 24 years, are likely to be involved in an accident within two years of passing their test.
The council's road safety team and the Institute of Advanced Motoring have joined forces to offer young drivers from Hull, who have recently passed their driving test, the chance to complete a Momentum assessment, at a reduced fee of £15, rather than £45, to further improve their driving.
Once completed, they can complete the full advance motorist tests at a reduced rate of £100, rather than £145, which will make them safer drivers as well as reduce insurance costs.
Mr Robins said: "One scheme is for drivers under 26 years who, after their driving test, are left to flounder.
"Young drivers have more accidents in the two years after passing than at any other point and they pick up bad habits."
The third initiative provides older drivers in Hull with the opportunity to self check their driving standards and complete a 60-minute driving assessment, for £15 rather than £35.
An elderly person's risk of being killed or suffering a serious injury as a result of a road crash is between two and five times greater than that of a younger person because of increased frailty.
Councillor Martin Mancey, portfolio holder responsible for transport, said: "We hope the three initiatives will encourage provide everyone with practical advice and the skills that may reduce causalities on our city's roads."
'The best way to encourage kids to wear helmets'Councillor Rosie Nicola, portfolio holder for learning, skills and safeguarding children, said: "The Bikeability Scheme delivered in Hull's primary schools is cycling proficiency for the 21st century.
"I am thrilled that we are able to offer free cycle helmets to our young people. This is the best way to encourage kids to wear them. Helmets are designed to absorb the impact that occurs if the head hits a solid object and has the potential to make a difference to the level of injury.
"I feel very strongly that they should always be worn, and the best way of making sure that children wear a helmet is by giving them one of their own."
