Helmets Making Headlines

Press Release 9 July 2012

Helmets Making Headlines

The issue of wearing helmets when riding a motor scooter in the Cook Islands has again raised its head.

At present any rider exceeding 40kph is required by law to wear a helmet however following several fatal accidents over recent weeks, many locals are petitioning the government to introduce a law for the compulsory wearing of helmets for scooters and motorbike riders at all times.

“Scooters and the Cooks are almost synonymous,” says Carmel Beattie, CEO of Cook Islands Tourism. “We are very aware that this is a problem in our beautiful islands and suggest tourists who choose to ride bikes wear a helmet for protection – it’s just good common sense.

“Scooters are a great way for getting around the island and for stopping easily to see the sights,” she adds. “But visitors do need to be cautious when on unfamiliar roads – and none of us ever know what’s just around the corner.”

Visitors to the Cook Islands are not covered by travel insurance unless they are wearing a helmet on their scooter or motorbike.

For all tourists in Rarotonga planning on hiring a scooter or a motorbike, helmets are also available for hire from:
• Island Car & Bike Hire - $2 per day
• Polynesian Rentals - $1 a day

Speed bumps and cameras, placed throughout the Rarotonga circuit, have also been suggested as a deterrent for those exceeding the 50kph speed limit.

ENDS

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