The Transport Minister has ruled out making helmets mandatory for cyclists, despite research showing they can save lives.

630 cyclists were injured in 2012- an increase of almost 60 percent.

Juliette Gash reports;

A UCD Professor who conducted a study of cyclists with fatal head injuries has recommended that bicycle helmets are worn to protect against head injuries in the event of a collision, particularly at speeds of less than 50km/h. The results of the study were presented at the annual Road Safety Authority Academic Road Safety Lecture.

Meanwhile, 

244 fines were issued to cyclists in the last two months for breaking the rules of the road.

The vast majority of the fines - 144 - were issued for breaking a red light.

Failing to have the appropriate lighting accounted for 44 of the fines.

Seven new offences were introduced for cyclists at the end of July to encourage better behaviour, to stop cycling in pedestrianised areas and to make it mandatory to have a light on all bikes.

Anyone found in breach of the rules faces a 40 euro fine.