So, quiet please for the proposals of Labour MP Eric Martlew. He is introducing a law to force under-16s to wear helmets when cycling. "Nannies look after children," he said. "And that's what this Bill seeks to do."
The row about whether it will work will freewheel at least until the brakes are applied at the second reading of his private member's Bill in April. Opponents say compulsory helmet wearing will deter children from cycling, a disastrous move when youngsters are being encouraged to exercise more, not less.
But let's stick with nannies. What most of us know about nannies is that they are rather pricey. This is also true of the requirements of nanny states. Under Martlew's plans, kids caught bare-headed on bikes will face fines of 40. That amounts to 21 weeks' income, given the average 11-year-old's pocket money is 1.88 a week. Or the equivalent of several thousands of pounds to an average adult.
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