Helmets plea after young cyclists hurt in Staffordshire

Cyclists were today urged to always wear a helmet after two schoolchildren in Staffordshire were seriously injured in falls from their bikes.

Eight-year-old Bradley Smith was left fighting for his life after coming off his bike in Rugeley last week and yesterday a 14-year-old schoolboy suffered broken bones after being hit by a car in Penkridge. Paramedics today said the teenager was lucky not to have suffered much more serious injuries as he was not wearing a helmet.

West Midlands Ambulance Service medical director Dr Andy Carson said: "What is concerning about this case was the fact that the teenager was not wearing a cycle helmet.

"There is now a huge amount of research that shows that for many patients, the level of injury is significantly reduced in cases where the cyclist was wearing a helmet.

"Wearing one doesn't mean you can be reckless – far from it. What a helmet does is provide some protection for your face, head, and brain in case you come off.

"Wearing a helmets significantly reduces the extent of injury due to impacts to the head."

Bradley Smith is now recovering at home in Rugeley. After falling from his bike, he was unconscious for more than 24 hours. Mother Angela Vernon said: "What I would say is that anyone out on a bike, please wear a helmet. Bradley took his off for a second."

She said Bradley was "very lucky to be here."

Yesterday's accident happened along Wolverhampton Road in Penkridge at around 8.20am. The boy was airlifted to hospital.

Ambulance service spokesman John Hawker said: "The boy had suffered serious leg and suspected pelvic injuries. He also suffered a minor head injury.

"Considering the damage to the car and bike, the boy was lucky not to have suffered more serious or even fatal injuries."