cyclists 1:0 polish government

[borsuk]

just got confirmation that the polish government is backing down on their plan to force all cyclists to wear helmets and fluorescent jackets at all times irrespective of the weather, time of day, season. i realise this is probably not of direct interest to anyone not living in poland but hey, a victory is a victory


it took a big push over the last couple of months to get them to look at the evidence (specifically, that very few accidents are the result of the cyclist's visibility and that helmets are not particularly useful in most accidents involving cars) and we've managed to get them to retract the idea

 

[hackbike 666]

Agreed.Educate motorists instead.

 

[HJ]

Victories for common sense are always good new

 

[magnatom]

That is good news!

And it gives us hope, that if anything like that is proposed over here, that we would have a fighting chance against it.

 

[magnatom]

Victories for common sense are always good new

They are quite good old as well...

 

[snorri]

That's good to hear borsuk, I was planning to tour there this summer, it would have been a bit of a bummer to find myself on the wrong side of the law on the first day.

 

[gavintc]

Why not? I often wear a hi-vis out on the trike and wouldn't have problem wearing a helmet as well.

True-motorists do need educating however the more variables you cancel out the less chance you have of having an accident.

Because there is no direct evidence that hi-vis or helmets are the great saviours that some seem to think. I am a helmet wearer, but I am also passionate that this should be a personal choice thing not legislated.

Oh Poo - I do hope this does not degenerate into a multi-page helmet thread.

 

[4F]

Why not? I often wear a hi-vis out on the trike and wouldn't have problem wearing a helmet as well.

True-motorists do need educating however the more variables you cancel out the less chance you have of having an accident.

Lee, nice try

 

[borsuk]

Why not? I often wear a hi-vis out on the trike and wouldn't have problem wearing a helmet as well.

True-motorists do need educating however the more variables you cancel out the less chance you have of having an accident.

it's about choice, common sense and evidence-based policymaking, rather than heavy-handed politicians trying to make a name for themselves by grandstanding on issues they know little or nothing about.

 

[hackbike 666]

I feel naked without a helmet+hi-viz.(ooer)

 

[thomas]

I wouldn't want to ride without a helmet, but would never wear hi-viz. Got a yellow jacket with shiny bits though...but wouldn't put one of those horrible vests on. I've got rechargeable batteries in the lights so can just leave them on whenever I want

 

[MacB]

After the first 2 months I have stopped wearing a helmet.

 

[hackbike 666]

For the first 25 years I didn't wear a helmet.x

 

[JamesAC]

Because there is no direct evidence that hi-vis or helmets are the great saviours that some seem to think.

The important point, as I see it, is that there is no direct evidence to the contrary.

Until someone shows beyond reasonable doubt that wearing hi-viz and helmet is likely to lead to injury or worse, then I'll carry on wearing them.

I happen to think that it should not be compulsory: I also think that if people choose not to wear such things, they should suffer the consequences, including reduced insurance pay-outs.

 

[spandex]

WELL DONE MATE

TOP Job as some of you know I do not like having to were a helmet or a Hi vis

All I can say is

1 step for man and, 1 giant leap for man kind