YOUNG cyclists are being urged to wear helmets after research showed cycling accidents are more likely to happen during the summer months.

Nine cyclists were killed and 1,100 injured on Greater Manchester roads last year and research has shown it is likely that 85 per cent of these cyclists were not wearing a cycle helmet at the time.

Other research has shown about one third of cyclists killed or injured are children.

Government transport minister David Jamieson said: "Cycling helmets are not just for long journeys -- they are just as essential for children out on the roads locally this summer and could prevent a substantial number of serious head injuries that can result even from minor accidents."