MILLIONS of children are putting their lives at risk because they believe it is "uncool" to wear a cycle helmet, says a report today.
A survey of 8,000 primary schoolchildren showed that two out of three did not wear a helmet because of peer pressure.
Some also complained that helmets were uncomfortable or too expensive.
Two-thirds of the youngsters questioned by fuel firm Jet said they had had accidents on their bikes - and most were not wearing a helmet.
Roy Roley, who is leading a campaign by Jet to encourage children to wear helmets, said: "We are really concerned that children are putting their image before their own safety by choosing not to wear a cycling helmet.
"Young cyclists are among the most vulnerable of road users.
"It is our responsibility as parents to ensure that they are properly protected - and that means wearing a helmet."
Jet urged the Government to bring in legislation to make the wearing of cycle helmets compulsory.
Latest figures show that 100,000 children are injured in cycling accidents each year.
