CHILD OBESITY AND CYCLING

Early day motion 1091, tabled 29 April 2004 by Anne Campbell (Labour). Signed by 18 members.

That this House recognises that the greatest threat to child health is obesity; agrees that encouraging sport and an active lifestyle in children is essential to preventing obesity in childhood and later life; while welcoming moves to encourage the use of cycle helmets, is persuaded that making it a criminal offence for children to cycle without wearing a helmet will discourage children from cycling and have a detrimental effect on child obesity; agrees that this health risk is far greater than the risks of head injury posed by cycling; and calls on the Government, not to criminalise young cyclists, but to encourage cycling and make it safer by improving cycle lanes and facilities around the country and promoting the potential benefits of wearing a helmet.

Signatures by party: Labour 11, Liberal Democrat 4, Labour/Co-operative 2, Conservative 1.