Helmets

Marco_Panettone

stevemcol wrote: »

Helmets absolutely should not be law and I hate the fact we even have to discuss it. Every now and then a politician or other will kick off the debate and I'm convinced they do it just to get us used to the idea.
There are so few cyclists now that don't wear helmets that it's not even worth legislating for.
So please joe public, politicians and Big G RC, stop worrying about my well being and resist your urges to protect me from myself. I promise to take responsibility for my own safety and ride defensively.

I hate the fact that after every RTC involving a cyclist the press mention whether or not the rider was wearing a helmet. They don't mention what rape victims were wearing, so why should this be any different.

westy23

custardy wrote: »

were you wearing gloves?

Yes I was wearing gloves, but the left one came off.
I think my rear wheel clipped the kerb as I turned onto
a dropped kerb to quickly/sharply too get away from the traffic.
My mistake entirely but glad I had a helmet on.

olly300

Marco_Panettone wrote: »

I hate the fact that after every RTC involving a cyclist the press mention whether or not the rider was wearing a helmet. They don't mention what rape victims were wearing, so why should this be any different.

The worse is that insurers take it into account and if it's the night you are in trouble if you aren't wearing reflective clothing.

stevemcol

Marco_Panettone wrote: »

I hate the fact that after every RTC involving a cyclist the press mention whether or not the rider was wearing a helmet. They don't mention what rape victims were wearing, so why should this be any different.

There was a similar issue around speed in motoring accidents. The questionnaire filled in by the investigating officer posed the question 'was speed a factor'. If the vehicles were anything other than stationary (probable in a collision!) the officer would more than likely tick 'yes'. That then drives a whole raft of dodgy stats.

Back on cycling, I preferred the 1970s attitude when my mum was much more concerned that I was wearing clean underwear than a helmet, in case of an accident. :T