Wearing a helmet while cycling reduces the risk of a head or brain injury by up to 88% should a collision occur, Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Ireland has said.

The charity is highlighting this issue as part of National Bike Week, which runs until June 26. It emphasised that cyclists who ride their bikes without the protection of a helmet are putting themselves at risk of a serious injury.

"It makes me so angry when I hear people saying that wearing a helmet reduces the enjoyment of cycling. In actual fact, wearing a helmet reduces the risk of a head or brain injury by 65-88% should a collision occur.

"Anyone who has this attitude should come and visit one of our residences and see the terrible consequences and life-long injuries, which are suffered by people with an acquired brain injury as a result of a cycling accident," commented ABI Ireland chief executive, Barbara O'Connell.

She noted that as well as reducing the risk of brain injury, wearing a helmet will also reduce the severity of the injury by absorbing the impact from the collision. This in turn will reduce the amount of time a victim spends in recovery and rehabilitation.

Ms O'Connell also emphasised that it is not always the ‘drastic accidents' that lead to the most devastating consequences. Even a simple fall from a bike can lead to long-term brain injuries.

Meanwhile, according to Noel Brett, CEO of the Road Safety Authority (RSA), cyclists are vulnerable road users and ‘your bicycle will not protect you if there is a crash'.

"The law does not require you to wear a helmet. However, in the interest of road safety, and in your personal interest, you should wear a helmet at all times," he insisted.

Mr Brett added that when buying a helmet, you should look for a mark to show that it has been made to a recognised national standard and check that it does not restrict your field of vision or your hearing.

"When you own a helmet you should replace it when it is damaged or dropped, adjust the straps on your helmet to fit you correctly and always check the manufacturer's instructions."

ABI Ireland provides a range of services to some of the 10,000 people who suffer a head injury in Ireland every year. For more information, click here

For more information on National Bike Week 2011, click here