Riley’s Law: Why Cycle and Scooter Helmet Safety Matters

A new UK Parliament petition is calling for helmets to become a legal requirement for people riding bicycles or scooters on public roads. The petition, titled “Make helmets legal requirement while riding a bicycle or scooter on public roads”, was created by Amelia Ketley in memory of her brother Riley, who died following a fatal collision in 2021. The petition asks for a new legal requirement to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle or scooter, and suggests this could be known as Riley’s Law.

At the time of writing, the petition has over 2,000 signatures and will remain open until 13 November 2026. If it reaches 10,000 signatures, the Government will respond; if it reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.

Why this matters

Cycling and scooting are important ways for people to travel, stay active and reduce car use. But road safety must remain a priority, particularly when we are talking about children, young people and vulnerable road users.

The Highway Code already advises cyclists to wear a helmet that meets current regulations, fits correctly and is securely fastened. It also states that evidence suggests a correctly fitted helmet can reduce the risk of sustaining a head injury in certain circumstances.

For Riley’s family, this issue is deeply personal. The petition explains that Riley died following a fatal collision and that his family believe a helmet may have saved his life. Their campaign is now asking the public to consider whether helmet wearing should move from being guidance to being a legal requirement.

A wider conversation about prevention

This petition opens up an important conversation about how we prevent avoidable injuries and deaths on our roads.

For many people, wearing a helmet is already a normal part of cycling or scooting. For others, it may feel optional, inconvenient, uncomfortable or unnecessary for short journeys. But serious incidents can happen close to home, on familiar roads, and during everyday journeys.

Road safety is not just about individual choices. It is also about safer streets, responsible driving, good infrastructure, education, visibility, and making sure people of all ages understand the risks. Helmet use is one part of that wider picture.

Supporting safer communities

As community organisations, partners, families and residents, we all have a role in encouraging safer travel. That can include:

• Encouraging children and adults to wear helmets when cycling or scooting.
• Promoting road safety messages through schools, youth groups and community networks.
• Supporting families to access affordable safety equipment.
• Raising awareness of the Highway Code guidance for cyclists and scooter users.
• Sharing information about campaigns that aim to prevent avoidable harm.

National action starts with public support

Petitions are one way for families and communities to raise issues that matter to them and ask decision-makers to respond. Riley’s Law is a campaign born from loss, but its message is focused on prevention: protecting others from the same tragedy.

People can read and sign the petition on the UK Parliament petitions website.

• Petition: Make helmets legal requirement while riding a bicycle or scooter on public roads
• Closes: 13 November 2026
• Government response threshold: 10,000 signatures
• Parliamentary debate consideration threshold: 100,000 signatures

Final thought

No family should have to experience the pain of losing someone in a preventable road tragedy. Whether or not people agree on making helmets a legal requirement, Riley’s Law asks us to have an important conversation about safety, responsibility and how we protect people using our roads.

Wearing a helmet is a simple action that can make a difference. Riley’s story is a powerful reminder of why that conversation matters.