Helmet Laws Stifle City Riders

Now i know it is smart to wear a helmet riding down Portrush Rd in heavy traffic, or tearing down from Mt Lofty on a race bike, but if i want to ride down to the local deli on my old school pushy or roll up and down Rundle St letting latte sipping hipsters admire my flowing locks, then i believe it should be ok to go sans helm. After riding all over Europe last summer i grew accustomed to riding with no helmet, and i never felt my life was in grave danger. If the roads of London became too scary i just got off and walked my bike till things calmed down or i could find another (quieter) route. I think minors should be made to wear helmets, but as a adult member of a free society i am quite capable of deciding when and when not to take my helmet on a ride. This topic has probably surfaced quite a bit on these forums but it needs to be discussed again as a progression for change.

Tags: choice, freedom, helmet, helmets, laws, progression

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Will Matthews on May 11, 2012 at 12:49

PRESS ALERT!

Had a interview with InDaily newspaper and they have done a article on this issue featuring plenty of insights from influential people around Adelaide. Check it out here;

http://www.indaily.com.au/?iid=62849&sr=0#folio=2

I think we are gaining some traction here people! well done all for contributing to this discussion.

Permalink Reply by Rob W on May 11, 2012 at 12:57

I think the statement under your photo is slightly inaccurate. Unless you know every driver in the world, and their habits and location at any given time, I don't think you can safely make that judgement, unless you on an off-road path.

Permalink Reply by Will Matthews on May 11, 2012 at 13:47

Cheers for your comment.

Therefore we need more bike paths, separated from the road and footpath, to allow people to ride more safely without the need for a helmet. Now I know what you may be thinking "what about other factors? a stick or pebbles on the path or a dog runs out and you crash and hit your head" well, yes this may happen, but you can't protect everyone from everything all the time. There has to be a balance between the role of Government legislation vs personal accoutability.

Using your argument, you might like mandatory helmet laws to be introduced for people crossing the road on foot because "Unless you know every driver in the world, and their habits and location at any given time, I don't think you can safely make that judgement," not to wear a helmet. Of course this is a silly argument.

Since starting this discussion my position on the subject has changed slightly and I am now pushing for less restrictions regarding helmet laws only in the CBD and surrounding parklands or on designated pathways. please have a look this InDaily article from todays newspaper http://www.indaily.com.au/?iid=62849&sr=0#folio=2

Thanks for getting involved in the discussion.

Permalink Reply by Simon Lownsborough on May 11, 2012 at 13:54

There's nothing in his statement that suggests otherwise? Its the nature of making your own decisions, to be aware you may be wrong. On-road, off-road, you could crash of course - so its always an educated risk?

I would like to be able to cycle sans helmet to the shops on my single speed. But I would still wear a lid for faster, longer rides. So that would be my risk assessment. And yes, in some ways it would be good to be able to make that decision.

I think some relaxation of the law would be good for public health and tourism. Acceptable risk?

Permalink Reply by Rob W on May 11, 2012 at 14:03

The intimation from my point, is if we can educate the the drivers (and some of the rogue cyclists) better, then the risk may be lessened. Living life is all about risk, and if we can remove some of the risk at the source rather than band-aiding at the end of the chain.

Permalink Reply by Will Matthews on May 11, 2012 at 14:12

great point! Totally agree with you....this is a tough issue but I think if sensible compromises aremade by both sides we may find a resolution....in ten years or so! have a good one Rob

Permalink Reply by stephen on May 12, 2012 at 1:02

News from WA. At last some politicians with courage and vision. Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt and Independent Fremantle MP Adele Carles call for a trial suspension of the helmet law to see whether cycling numbers increase.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/13656583/fremantle-in... 
 

"Under the trial, helmets would be optional for adults cycling on separated cycleways, dual-use paths and roads where the maximum speed is 50km/h or less."

Everyone should support a trial even if you are one of those who think helmet laws are great and cant possibly  have any negative effect on cycling numbers it's a fantastic chance to prove your point a trial would be win for everyone. :-)
And of course if it does turn out to boost the number of bike users well that is even better for everyone who supports cycling.

I for one will be heading West if they go ahead with this trial - I am sick of being treated like some kind of criminal for what I believe and so are many other people.
Most Australian states ceased operation as penal colony's some time back so it's about time they stopped treating us like we are living in some kind of penitentiary.

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