In northern ireland an MP along with an orginastion called Headway are trying to pass a bill making it compulsory for cyclists to wear helmets or face a £50 fine.
I think this seems to be aimed at parents to make their children wear helmets. Can you really see the police stopping a child who is playing in the street on a bike and taking them home to collect money from the parent?
Im undecided on the helmet debate, i always wear one but its a force of habit, I had a 30mph crash on a quad bike once while not wearing a helmet and ended up in hospital with a fairly serious concussion and memory loss.
I think it would put people off cycling if you were to fine them for not having a helmet.
The law is still in its early days yet but could become a reality.
"A piece of primary legislation has been put before the Northern Ireland Assembly that, if enacted into law, would require cyclists of all ages to wear a cycle helmet when cycling on a road or other public place. Those caught riding without a helmet would face a fixed penalty charge of £50.The Cyclists (Protective Headgear) Bill NIA Bill 9/10 (sponsored by Pat Ramsey(SDLP) MLA, chair of the All-Party Group on Road Safety) is, as these laws go, exceptionally moderate. Only police officers can enforce the provisions, punishments are limited to fixed penalty charges (ie: no criminal records), first-time offenders can be excused if they produce a suitable helmet within seven days and there is an appeals process for special cases. There is also a three year implementation delay and a requirement to raise public awareness of the issue and the legislation during that period."
Some further reading on this proposal:
Blog from Rain Miles Count Double
Article from cycling weekly
What do you guys think?
I think this seems to be aimed at parents to make their children wear helmets. Can you really see the police stopping a child who is playing in the street on a bike and taking them home to collect money from the parent?
Im undecided on the helmet debate, i always wear one but its a force of habit, I had a 30mph crash on a quad bike once while not wearing a helmet and ended up in hospital with a fairly serious concussion and memory loss.
I think it would put people off cycling if you were to fine them for not having a helmet.
The law is still in its early days yet but could become a reality.
"A piece of primary legislation has been put before the Northern Ireland Assembly that, if enacted into law, would require cyclists of all ages to wear a cycle helmet when cycling on a road or other public place. Those caught riding without a helmet would face a fixed penalty charge of £50.The Cyclists (Protective Headgear) Bill NIA Bill 9/10 (sponsored by Pat Ramsey(SDLP) MLA, chair of the All-Party Group on Road Safety) is, as these laws go, exceptionally moderate. Only police officers can enforce the provisions, punishments are limited to fixed penalty charges (ie: no criminal records), first-time offenders can be excused if they produce a suitable helmet within seven days and there is an appeals process for special cases. There is also a three year implementation delay and a requirement to raise public awareness of the issue and the legislation during that period."
Some further reading on this proposal:
Blog from Rain Miles Count Double
Article from cycling weekly
What do you guys think?
