Bradley Wiggins calls for safer cycling laws and compulsory helmets

[GrumpyGregry]

That's what my last line says, innit? But not being of an authoritarian bent, The Kool Gang is also deplorably relaxed about people who simply feel better being mushroom-headed.

The Kool Gang? Bunch of knobbers!








Or was that Kool and The Gang?

 

[Linford]

The point, Linf, which as usual you spectacularly fail to grasp, is that proponents of the Thudguard use exactly the same arguments as proponents of cycle helmets.

However, most people rightly dismiss the Thudguard as a ridiculous over-reaction to a small risk (and I would guess that there is actually a bigger risk of head injury to children in the home than there is on a bicycle). How is it OK to dismiss the Thudguard, if you do not also dismiss the cycle helmet?

Now, how about you respond to my earlier point, that the risk of head injury as a pedestrian is broadly similar to that of a cyclist, so why is no-one suggesting helmets for pedestrians?

Are you actually attempting to say that small babies and pedestrians carry the same risk of a head injury ?

I've got my 2 year old granddaughter in the room now with me whilst her mum goes and sorts the horses out, and I can state for the record she falls over a lot more than any adult I know....

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Must everyone consider actual evidence before holding an opinion on anything? Do you refuse to have an opinion before you have spent hours looking at evidence?

I used to be 100% pro-helmet pro-complusion on the basis of my opinion/preference. Then I encountered evidence. Then I changed my mind a bit about helmets. And a lot about compulsion.

 

[david k]

But the increase might be even bigger.

id say 90%+ of cyclists i see wear helmets already, and thus following the proposed logic that this puts people off riding then there would be no increase currently

 

[david k]

I used to be 100% pro-helmet pro-complusion on the basis of my opinion/preference. Then I encountered evidence. Then I changed my mind a bit about helmets. And a lot about compulsion.

I think its perfectly reasonable for somebody to look into something and change their views

I think its equally reasonable for somebody to hold an opinion based on their own reasoning and thoughts

 

[mcshroom]

I find it interesting that helmet advocates see high proportions of cyclists wearing helmets, whereas those against see very low proportions. Might I suggest some confirmation bias on both sides

 

[david k]

then how can anyone say whether they've improved?

my most recent motorcycle helmet is much lighter and more comfortable with a better fit than my old one. it came with all types of claimed on the box and a sticker on the back claiming to meet numerous high standards.

I based my judgement that they are improved on this experience, I remember magazines at the time claiming they had improved but if indeed i am wrong then i will gladly accept it

I did not research any further than speaking with the shop owner and friends who have helmets as i didnt feel the need to go into it further. In fact i find it slightly odd that somebody would want to do any more research than this prior to buying a motorcycle helmet

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I think its perfectly reasonable for somebody to look into something and change their views

I think its equally reasonable for somebody to hold an opinion based on their own reasoning and thoughts

The very definition of 'not reasonable' if the opinion arrived at flies in the face of the data.

 

[david k]

I find it interesting that helmet advocates see high proportions of cyclists wearing helmets, whereas those against see very low proportions. Might I suggest some confirmation bias on both sides

its possible i suppose, maybe i look for it i dont know. it is only my own observations thta lead me to think the majority of cyclists i see wear helmets, and everyone i regularly cycle with wears one. i dont know if their feeling towards helmets any further than this

 

[GrumpyGregry]

my most recent motorcycle helmet is much lighter and more comfortable with a better fit than my old one. it came with all types of claimed on the box and a sticker on the back claiming to meet numerous high standards.

I based my judgement that they are improved on this experience, I remember magazines at the time claiming they had improved but if indeed i am wrong then i will gladly accept it

I did not research any further than speaking with the shop owner and friends who have helmets as i didnt feel the need to go into it further. In fact i find it slightly odd that somebody would want to do any more research than this prior to buying a motorcycle helmet

See, that's the joy of decent standards.....

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I find it interesting that helmet advocates see high proportions of cyclists wearing helmets, whereas those against see very low proportions. Might I suggest some confirmation bias on both sides

and even more interesting is the way

non-cyclists shriek "Why aren't you wearing a helmet, are you maaaaaaaaaaaaaaad, think of your children?' at you whenever you don't have a mushroom on.

 

[david k]

The very definition of 'not reasonable' if the opinion arrived at flies in the face of the data.

it depends if you believe the data or not or indeed if you feel the need to look into it in such an in depth way.

i dont feel the need to survey loads of data prior to wearing a helmet or not wearing a helmet

if pro compulsion was to be considered by government then i would expect them to consider all the data available and views from a selection experts in this field

 

[Linford]

I think he's pro compulsion, but not at the moment while cycle helmets are so substandard (so at least he does seem to accept that helmets don't do much to make you safer)

If and when a cycle helmet is designed that offers the same protection as a motorcycle helmet and is as light and well ventilated as a cycle helmet, then he will be in favour of a compulsion law.

Linf: please correct me if I have misrepresented your views.

As the law and technology stands, we are actually calling for the same thing - I am at present 'anti compulsion'

If the technology moves forward to give parity with the motorcycle standards, then I will become 'pro compulsion'

I must be unreasonable for thinking this way if the comments are anything to go by.

 

[PpPete]

We see things and it alters how we think, but is it enough to make a significant difference to most sensible people?

If we are happy to allow people to make a judgement on whether to wear a helmet or not, then surely they must be considered sensible enough to make a judgement on the dangers of cycling whether they see somebody with a helmet on or not?

You really think seeing people wearing helmets is enough to stop people cycling?

Since many people wear helmets currently, this must already be happening. And if so you must hold the view that wearing helmets is making cycling less attractive, but more people are riding bikes year on year, so it doesn't fit your view.

No I'm not assuming "people" are "sensible"..... I just think they should be given freedom to make their own minds up. Whether they want to do so on the basis of what they see, read in the press, is told to them by the politicians, or whatever - it's up to them.

But you seem to be assuming you know what my views are?

 

[PpPete]

it depends if you believe the data or not or indeed if you feel the need to look into it in such an in depth way.

i dont feel the need to survey loads of data prior to wearing a helmet or not wearing a helmet

if pro compulsion was to be considered by government then i would expect them to consider all the data available and views from a selection experts in this field

Now you are assuming politicians are sensible ?