HALF of cyclists do not wear helmets because they are “uncool” or mess up hair, a poll found.
Most leave headgear at home if travelling short distances.
And one in eight skip them to avoid ruffling their barnet.
Around half of cyclists admitted to ignoring front and rear lighting.
And four in ten failed to put reflective clothing on despite it being an offence not to after dark.
The Halfords poll of 1,000 adults found a quarter did not know there was a Highway Code section for cyclists.
One in six have ridden a bike under the influence of drugs or alcohol despite it being illegal.
The study, conducted via OnePoll.com, found 70 per cent believe you should take a cycling test before getting on a bike on public roads.
With 48 per cent of those polled never having done a cycling proficiency test or bikeability training.
Pippa Wibberley, at Halfords, said: “Safety items like helmets, lights, and reflective clothing are there for a reason and can be the difference between a minor injury or something more severe.”
