Police stop Labour chief for riding bike with no helmet

Published on Monday 21 September 2009 09:54

EDINBURGH'S former transport leader has questioned police priorities after being pulled over on his cycle to work for not wearing a helmet.

Councillor Andrew Burns said he was stopped by officers carrying out safety checks as he cycled on Valleyfield Street next to the Meadows last week.

Police carried out the one-day safety initiative to highlight the risks involved in not wearing protective gear, and Cllr Burns was given advice on bike safety and security before being allowed on his way.

But after being stopped, Cllr Burns used his blog to ask why police officers were using their time to stop those who were not breaking the law.

He said: "I got stopped by the police on my way to work this morning – really, I was. And all apparently because I wasn't wearing a helmet.

"The officers did hand me some useful information about bike security, and it was good to see them being so visible on their bikes.

"But I'm not at all convinced that stopping people who are not breaking any law is the best way to sell a message."

He later said: "I welcome the fact I was given information on bike security, but it just seemed a bit strange.

"I own a helmet but I only wear it when I'm on the roads, and 95 per cent of my cycle to work is through the Meadows."

A spokesman for cycling campaign group Spokes said Cllr Burns was right to question the police's tactics.

He said: "Wearing a helmet is not compulsory and Spokes' view is that it is up to the individual to decide.

"The police have no right to caution anybody unless they're acting recklessly or dangerously. They should be dividing their time, reminding motorists and cyclists about safety measures in equal proportion."

A police spokesman said the initiative was a response to a number of accidents involving bikes around Edinburgh University, and had been met with a good response from the public.

Chief Inspector Bryan Rodgers, from the road policing unit, said: "It is important to stress that we are not singling out cyclists for blame, rather we are proactively looking to educate both cyclists and motorists on their responsibilities as road users.

"Everyone who uses the road has a responsibility for their own safety, as well as the safety of others, and that is the message we are trying to reinforce through this initiative."

&#149 www.lbp.police.uk

&#149 andrewburns.blogspot.com

&#149 www.spokes.org.uk