Cycling helmets could be made compulsory

Compulsory helmets for cyclists could be introduced for the first time under a review into bike safety.

The proposals will be included in a government consultation in the new year, which will suggest that helmets and high-visibility jackets become a mandatory requirement.

It follows the release of figures revealing that more than 100 cyclists were killed on UK roads last year, with 3,397 suffering serious injuries.

Jesse Norman, the transport minister, said the review would be based on “solid evidence”. The plans are expected to face opposition from cycling groups, which have said that making helmets compulsory will deter people from taking up the hobby.