Some of the points I found interesting:
- When discussing arguments against mandatory helmet laws, the study authors listed "The law could lower bicycle ridership" and claimed "little data exist to support or rebut this argument."
- The posture of the bicycling community on these laws was mixed: some groups supported legislation (usually minors-only laws); some were opposed; and some were divided on the issue.
- In several jurisdictions, motorcyclists who opposed motorcycle helmet use laws also actively opposed bicycle helmet use laws.
- Officers cited challenges in ticketing children. “Who do you give the ticket to? Do you put the bike in the trunk and drive the child home?”
- The law conjures the distasteful image of “troopers ticketing kids.”
- An issue often raised, chiefly by those in the bicycling community, was that bicycle safety efforts are (or are perceived to be) singularly focused on the adoption of bicycle helmet use laws. They observed that bicycle helmet use laws do not “solve” all bicycle safety problems yet they are concerned that the focus on bicycle helmet use laws distracts attention and resources from other bicycle safety issues.
Because cycling is no more likely to result in head injury than riding in an automobile, mandatory helmet use for cyclists is ridiculous. The experience in Australia with their mandatory bike helmet law has been disasterous for cycling, with mandatory bicycle helmet use resulting in increased hospital admissions in spite of the reduced popularity of cycling, and damage to overall public health.
If you are fighting mandatory bicycle helmet legislation in your area, I urge you to read Avery Burdett's Helmet FAQ.
Although enforcement is difficult and the police do have better things to do. Helmets are very affodable now and having several friends survive crashes because of a helmt, I can't see why people are opposed to helmet. Free choice, yes. It is there choice.
ReplyDeletePeople who are arguing against helmet laws are not saying people should not be free to wear them. Of course not.
ReplyDeleteBut the claims strong promotionists regularly make for the protective effect of helmets are unscientific and nothing short of outrageous.
Search cyclehelmets.org for arguments against the a "helmet saved my life" claim. They have extensive info. Be prepared for some stuff that might take at least a year to accept.
- Morten