It's typical, really. Months go by without anyone catching a glimpse of new London Mayor Boris Johnson in a cycle helmet - then several come along at once.

Here are four Boris wig-alikes showing that it is possible to have a ridiculous blond hairstyle AND wear appropriate cycle headgear at the same time without looking like a complete buffoon.

Well, not a complete buffoon, anyway. The challenge now is: Boris, these cyclists have braved the Boris-barnet-and-helmet combo - let's see you do it, too.

And the challenge to our readers is: if the Boris helmet we have come up with is less than flattering - and don't forget we're talking about the Mayor of London here, an august figure who should be on his dignity at all times - can you come up with a better design?

The Standard's helmet initiative was prompted by the fact that throughout the two month-long mayoral campaign, Mr Johnson was never far from his bicycle but was never seen wearing protective headgear, which is strongly advised by safety experts.

Today however, after being shamed for pedalling through six traffic lights on red and across pavements, he has chosen to mend his ways. He has invested in a £24.99 helmet, a state-of-the-art silver Bell Ukon from the Evans cycle shop a short ride from City Hall.

"It's time for a change," he said. "I need to wear a helmet and I'm going to start setting an example."

So far, he has failed to apply helmet to head - but teams of Evening Standard photographers are poised at strategic locations around the capital waiting to capture the moment he does.

Until that comes, we will have to rely on the evidence of these cyclists in Kensington Gardens about what it is like to park a helmet on top of the Boris mop. Or, to be precise, to wear a £7.95 Argos helmet together with a Boris wig of 100 per cent fire-resistant polyester.

Jakura Hingley, 26, a doctor from Chiswick said: "I think it looks hilarious - there's so much hair I can barely do the strap up. He'll have to buy an extra large helmet to accommodate it all. It'll also be very hot for him in this weather. Still, I think it's important he sets a good example and wears one." Richard Hall, 33, a fireman from High Street Kensington said: "It's quite warm under here and I'm not sure it's a great look. But my wife is always telling me I should buy a cycle helmet - perhaps I'll follow Boris's example and get one."

Govinda Kharbunda, 30, a physicist from West Kensington said: "I think it looks ridiculous but that shouldn't matter. It's good he's taking cycling seriously and important for him to be seen doing the right thing."

Rob Moore, 35, a shipping contractor from Balham, said: "Boris Johnson doesn't have a reputation for being cool - he would look no more ridiculous in a cycling helmet than he does usually. He should definitely lead the way by wearing one."

But will Mr Johnson - whose wife Marina and their four children all wear helmets - remember to wear his new accessory?

Already he appears to have given himself a get-out clause. "It might not happen every day," he said. "It will happen but I can't promise it will be all the time."

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