Another helmet petition...

[downfader]

..this time by me:

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/cyclehelmettest/

Got sick of all the rubbish put about, and decided the best way to counter that was to offer an alternative voice. I've asked for research on them to prove or disprove what benefits they offer rather than relying on outdated research and heresay.

The confusion in part seems to be fueling the calls for helmet laws and no one has stopped to ask "what will they actually protect me from?" If the manufacturers dont know then how can the public ask for laws.

 

[Tynan]

 

[peanut]

why don't they legislate to put rubber bumpers on vehicles instead
Never heard of a cyclist falling off his bike and getting severe head injuries without assistence from a vehicle

 

[downfader]

why don't they legislate to put rubber bumpers on vehicles instead
Never heard of a cyclist falling off his bike and getting severe head injuries without assistence from a vehicle

LMAO!! Great idea! How far can we bounce the cyclist into oncoming traffic Hahaha!! I shouldnt laugh but that is funny!

Trying to think now if I know of any cases of serious head injury.. can only think of one in Woolston near here where another cyclist crossed into the guys path and the two ended up in an ambulance. Wasnt a serious head injury, but enough to warrant the A&E trip.

 

[purplepolly]

LMAO!! Great idea! How far can we bounce the cyclist into oncoming traffic Hahaha!!

Hmm I think downfader's having a little turn. The innevitable result of trying to get people to actual research in helmets and ascertain the facts.

 

[Bigtwin]

why don't they legislate to put rubber bumpers on vehicles instead
Never heard of a cyclist falling off his bike and getting severe head injuries without assistence from a vehicle

It was only when I watched it in reaaaaaaly slow motion that I saw the 4x4 side-swipe Jens before accelerating off towards the school gates.

 

[HJ]

The cycle helmet industry makes a lot of money out of fear, it is most likely there is some strong vested behind this petition, but it is unlikely to get very far. The last attempted to get a law on compulsory wearing of cycle helmets failed when all the UK cycling organisations said it was a stupid idea...

 

[downfader]

The cycle helmet industry makes a lot of money out of fear, it is most likely there is some strong vested behind this petition, but it is unlikely to get very far. The last attempted to get a law on compulsory wearing of cycle helmets failed when all the UK cycling organisations said it was a stupid idea...

I fear public opinion has swayed somewhat and we may indeed end up with them. This government has been quite reactionary with regards certain laws - it was largely public outrage that got the mobile phone laws through, lets not forget, it can have its benefits but we should remember the risks also.

 

[hackbike 666]

I couldn't see it getting through anyway as the cops probably wouldn't be able to enforce it.

Let's face it they can't stop RLJing.They can't stop the cyclists either.

 

[HJ]

I fear public opinion has swayed somewhat and we may indeed end up with them. This government has been quite reactionary with regards certain laws - it was largely public outrage that got the mobile phone laws through, lets not forget, it can have its benefits but we should remember the risks also.

There really isn't enough genuine public interest in cycle helmets to sway the government. What is more likely to sway government thinking is reports like this and research findings like this suggesting the cost to the British tax payer of such a law would be about £242m...

 

[mickle]

Signed.

 

[Radius]

And if all this testing and research goes into the helmets, imagine how much they will cost? Enough to put your average commuter off buying them I'll bet...

 

[summerdays]

But either you want something that is going to protect you - in which case you pay or you weren't bothered so why are you wearing a bit of plastic on your head.

 

[tdr1nka]

I'd like to see conclusive evidence about helmets because I am extremely concerned about the developing public view that cycling is a dangerous activity.

Nothing would do the people and cities of the UK more good than to legislate against the car as 'personal' transport and get more, admittedly better trained, cyclists on the roads.

I'm sick of being perceived as a nuisance and that I need protecting from myself.

 

[Wheeledweenie]

why don't they legislate to put rubber bumpers on vehicles instead
Never heard of a cyclist falling off his bike and getting severe head injuries without assistence from a vehicle

A family friend was scalped and in a coma for three days after coming off on a gravel off-road path and landing head first. He survived almost intact personality wise. But despite this, and the fact that I wear a helmet I think it's personal choice and I just wish people would stop politicising it. We're all grown ups right.