gaz wrote:thelawnet's example is a different LMG. I don't know whether they are actually claiming the handbook allows it or are simply choosing to ignore/being ignorant of Cycling UK policy.
I had a quick look.
Firstly and rather incidentally I came across this
https://www.fleetcycling.org.uk/wp-cont ... iefing.pdf
This is the 'Fleet Flyer' by member group 'Fleet Cycling', which has a strict 'no helmet no ride' policy. I am not sure if there are sportive/British Cycling/insurance concerns that pertain to the validity or otherwise of this policy.
This is a different group
https://www.westsurreyctc.co.uk/ride-guidelines/ - 2013 guidelines
"We recommend you heed the advice of Highway Code Rule 59 which suggests you wear a helmet and striking/contrasting colours and/or Hi Viz/ reflective clothing "
(which is only a recommendation)
On the mailing list a dicussion between ride leaders:
"You may think that you are the best rider in the world, but particularly when riding in a group, it would be naive to think that you are immune from the possibility of a touch and a fall. Then, whilst simply wearing a helmet will not necessarily save you from injury, it should be blindingly obvious that you stand a better chance if you are. Even if you do not value your own life, I would urge you to show consideration to your ride leader who is responsible for all, and your fellow riders who might well be traumatised by witnessing a serious accident involving one of their riding friends.
I acknowledge that such respect and consideration is present within the grade 4's, where I am one of the ride leaders, and where it is the expectation of all that fellow riders will wear helmets at all times. Until we apply the simple mantra of "no helmet, no ride", which applies in so many other cycling clubs, I would sincerely hope that everyone would show similar respect to all ride leaders.
"
and reply from another ride leader in a different group
"Mandatory helmet wearing is against Cycling UK policy, a policy which goes back to long before the re-branding of the CTC."
and from a second from the first group
"You offer no cogent argument for not protecting yourself by using a helmet; the argument about primary or secondary safety is irrelevant. I see the UK Cycling stance as political rather than safety related. My personal experience has shown the value of a helmet and the experience of others has reinforced that value. Do what you want but don't ride with me."
The point in this case was that while there were other views expressed, at least 2 of 5 ride leaders in the 'fast' group expressed sentiments that their group is helmet-compelled, so it does become so de facto; if members of the larger groups expressed such sentiments then it is perhaps more of a matter of debate rather than a 'consensus' within a smaller group.
This discussion (mid-2018) was followed by a change:
2019 rides list:
https://www.westsurreyctc.co.uk/wp-cont ... -v1.1-.pdf
"The use of helmets is strongly recommended."
2018 rides list
https://westsurreyctc.co.uk/wp-content/ ... -final.pdf
finds said sentence absent.