A BRISBANE filmmaker has embarked on a one man campaign to have Queensland's mandatory bicycle helmet laws repealed.

Geoff McLeod has produced a one-minute advertisement which he hopes to broadcast on television, highlighting what he says is the ``insanity'' of compulsory bicycle helmets.

``Australia is only one of two per cent of nations that have this absolutely ridiculous law,'' said Mr McLeod.

``It's the equivalent of telling people who drive cars that they have to gear up like Craig Lowndes, or telling beachgoers they have to wear life jackets.''

He said mandatory helmet laws, introduced in the early 1990s, were responsible for stopping utility-style riding such as jumping on a bike to go to the shops to get a loaf of bread.

``I'm amazed at how many people don't cycle. The only people who really use them is the lycra clad extreme racers, which is kind of a turn-off for a lot of women,'' Mr McLeod said.

``It should be your choice to wear helmet, certainly after the age of 18.''

The advertisement, filmed in Italy, cost about $40,000 to make but Mr McLeod said he was prepared to spend more to get it on television. He also has launched a website on the issue.

``I'm awaiting approval from the body that gives ads a particular rating. They may ask us to back up our claims,'' said Mr McLeod.

``Politicians don't listen unless you've got a TV ad. I would like to see efforts tripled to get more people on bicycles.''

Between 2007 and 2009 police issued an average of 7500 fines a year to people riding without bicycle helmets.

So far this year nine cyclists have been killed on Queensland roads, the worst result in five years.

It's not clear if any of those fatalities was as a result of not wearing a helmet.

Originally published as Campaign to axe cyclist helmet law