WITH reference to the wearing of cycle helmets and seat belts on school bus runs, the question remains, does one legislate or leave the choice to the individual and parents to educate or search their own conscience with regard to road safety?

Having dealt with many road accidents over many years in the line of duty, on balance any protection that minimises receiving a more serious injury must be an advantage. Broken bones can be repaired. Brain damage may result in long-term disability.

One must also take into account that a number of road accidents involving cyclists can be attributed to road conditions, that is rain, snow, ice and uneven road surfaces, maintenance and other factors, for example stationary vehicles in cycle lanes causing obstruction, thereby encouraging cyclists to use pedestrian footpaths.

Kenneth Bowker, Vesper Walk, Huntington, York.