A campaign offering school children cut price cycle helmets has proved a resounding success, reaching its target in just three months.
'Headstart' was launched in October 2006 as part of Cumbria County Council's Better Ways to Schools initiative run by Capita. Its aim was to supply 2,000 youngsters with lifesaving cycle helmets for just £5.
The helmets, which usually cost up to £30, can save lives by protecting the head in the event of a crash. They are being provided nationwide by the Bicycle Helmet Intiaitve Trust with the help of Government funding.
The campaign was looking to reach the 2,000 target by the end of term in July, but such has been the success that the figure has been reached by the beginning of this month.
Cumbria is the first county to promote discounted helmets in this way and the speed and volume of sales is unprecedented - so much so that the Cycle Helmet Initiate Trust has decided to continue selling helmets to Cumbrian school children at the slightly increased cost of £6 each.
Cyclists Carol Westmorland and Karen Basset, who were at the launch in October, will be at Trinity School in Carlisle on Tuesday 7 February at 10.30am to hand over the two thousandth helmet.
Carol is UK female road endurance champion and Karen is an active cycling who recently survived a near fatal cycling accident. She says she would not be alive today had she not been wearing an approved helmet.
Ian Stewart is Cumbria County Council's spokesman on road safety issues. He said:
"It's such a simple thing to do, to strap on a helmet when you're out on your bike and it's been such a small price to pay to make such a big difference that could prevent injury, brain damage or even death."
Amanda Clegg from the Bicycle Helmet Initiative Trust added:
"We have been staggered by the success of the 'Headstart' campaign in Cumbria - the take up has been amazing."
Chris Wills from Better Ways to School, and Cyclewise, the company which provides cycle training for the initiative, will be joining Carol, Karen and staff and pupils at the school for the presentation.
ENDS
Further information from Alison Lister, media team on 01228 606335