Surveys of cycle helmet wearing rates are carried out for the Department about every two years. These show that cycle helmets were worn by 15 per cent. of children in 1999 and in 2002 and 14 per cent. in 2004. The 2006 survey of cycle helmet wearing rates is currently under way and will report next year.
There is a significant difference in cycle helmet wearing rates between boys and girls. In the 2004 survey, 11 per cent. of boys wore helmets and 26 per cent. of girls.