It is easy to imagine the panic when 13-year-old Kirstie McFarlane fell off her bike and blood poured from a head wound.

Thankfully, she was surrounded by Good Samaritans.

Her friend Amber Holt, an Oxford Mail delivery girl on her round, had the good sense to sound the alarm issued to all our paper boys and girls.

That alerted a nearby resident and his daughter, who went out of their way to see that Kirstie received proper treatment.

After trying in vain to get help at the nearest doctor's surgery and Bicester Community Hospital, they finally delivered her to her own surgery at Bicester Health Centre.

It is heart-warming to hear of such public-spirited behaviour.

But the case also raises the serious issue of wearing cycle helmets -- something strongly recommended in the safety guide given to all the Oxford Mail's delivery agents.

Neither girl was wearing one. The incident should serve as a warning to them -- and to hundreds of other cyclists -- that helmets can often prevent injury and even save lives.