Design For Life

Advice column: My son refuses to wear a bicycle helmet

This week, GP, author and podcaster Dr Mark Rowe advises a parent whose teenager loves to ride his bike but won’t wear a helmet

Cycling is a great form of exercise – but head injuries can be devastating, so to cycle safely you need to wear a helmet

Dear Expert,

My teenage son is a keen cyclist, which we are delighted about. He cycles absolutely everywhere and loves his bike. In an age when young people seem less and less outdoorsy, it’s great to see him zooming around and getting exercise.

The problem is that he refuses to use a helmet. He happily wore one until about the age of 14, but now refuses. He says it’s uncomfortable, messes up his hair and ...