Police beat: Cycle helmet crucial in city hit and run

Hamilton Police are investigating a hit-and-run crash in which a van hit a cyclist on Avalon Drive last week.

Police, who have strong lines of inquiry, are seeking information regarding a white Toyota Hiace van that left the crash scene.

The rider of the bicycle remains in hospital where he has suffered serious injuries to his back, along with other more minor injuries.

"The importance of wearing an approved cycle helmet cannot be over emphasised," says the Hamilton City Area Commander, Inspector Greg Nicholls.

"The cyclist was wearing a helmet, which I have no doubt saved him from serious head injury. Unfortunately many cyclists don't wear helmets.

"We are conducting Operation Judy, focussing on cyclists who don't wear helmets.

"This operation is about prevention of head injuries to cyclists involved in crashes."

Inspector Nicholls says if it means Police have to hit riders in the pocket to get the message through, then their short-term pain could be their long-term gain.

Sergeant Phil Ruddell of the Hamilton Strategic Traffic Unit agreed with the inspector's comments and said parents have a major responsibility to ensure children wear helmets.

"The helmets need to be of an appropriate size and fitted correctly. '

'If parents let their children ride without helmets they are placing them at unnecessary risk."

Police want any witnesses to the Avalon Drive crash to contact the investigating officer Constable Sean Morrah at Hamilton Central Police Station on 07 834 6200, or leave information anonymously on the CrimeStoppers crime line, 0800 555 111.