The accident that claimed the life of a young 12-year-old cyclist in Repentigny on Thursday reopens the debate on the wearing of mandatory helmets in Quebec.
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The boy, who was returning from carrying books to the library, was cycling on the sidewalk, in the direction of the traffic, when a City truck making a right turn hit him.
According to an eyewitness, the young cyclist suffered a severe blow to the head and was not wearing a helmet.
For the well-known businessman and cyclist Louis Garneau, wearing a helmet could have saved his life.
“I am saddened by the death of the young cyclist. The helmet might have saved his life. The government must start its awareness campaign again, ”he said in a written statement sent to TVA Nouvelles.
Louis Garneau, who himself was the victim of a serious bicycle accident in July 2018, says he is convinced he was saved by his helmet.
If pediatric doctors want to see helmets become mandatory in the province, the government refused to implement such a measure two years ago.
Vélo Québec against the obligation
For Vélo Québec, the best way to protect cyclists is not to force helmets to be worn, but rather to put in place safe cycling facilities.
“Vélo Québec is not against wearing helmets and encourages everyone to wear a helmet on a bicycle. When we talk about a law that would make it mandatory, we do not agree, ”said Magali Brebonne, program manager for the organization.
“All the experts say, the approach, it is in the environments, to create safe cycle paths, these are the kind of questions that we should ask ourselves. There is a lot of diversion and energy that is lost around wearing a helmet, ”lamented Mr.me Brebonne.
According to the organization, the rate of people wearing helmets on a voluntary basis is increasing in the province. It stands at 53% in the general population.
“Among 5 to 9 year olds, we have reached 78%,” said Mme Brebonne.
The number of bicycle deaths is relatively stable in Quebec: 10 cyclists died on the roads of the province in 2017, 20 in 2018, and a little less, or eight in 2019, according to data from the Société de l’assurance automobile. of Quebec (SAAQ).
A specialist for the obligation
For Gwenaëlle Trottet, specialist in the evolution of trauma care at the CHU Sainte-Justine, there is no doubt that the helmet should be compulsory because it helps to reduce head traumas and facial fractures.
“The helmet helps protect the brain and the head bone. It will help absorb the first shock. […] It should be compulsory for children and for parents. Parents should set an example for their children, ”she explains in an interview on LCN.
“If parents set an example, to wear a helmet, it would become quite natural, like the seat belt that we put in a car has become automatic. When you get on a bike, it should be automatic to wear the helmet ”, insists Mme Trottet.
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