Video: Chris Hoy’s view on cyclists and helmets

Sir Chris Hoy give his views on cycling and helmets

The Scotsman’s editor Ian Stewart interviewed the six times gold medal winner during an Scottish Association for Mental Health (SamH ) event to promote the mental health benefits that come from being physically active.

The Edinburgh-born cycling star, who has won six Olympic gold medals, is backing a new partnership between the charity and Scottish Athletics.

Sir Chris says he always wears a helmet but warned against forcing people to wear one.

He argued that such a move would lead to a drop in the number of people taking up the sport and highlighted the need to tackle Scotland’s obesity problem.

Speaking at an earlier SamH event this week, he said: “The work SamH does across Scotland supports thousands of people with mental health problems and it’s clear to see that increasing physical activity is one of the best steps to take towards better mental health.

“I’m proud to be able to support the incredible work the charity does and to meet service users who have benefited from SamH’s resources.”