Cycle for Health?

[atoz]

Hi all

Noticed a video on youtube from Cycling UK entitled "Cycling- a prescription for good health"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1vfzsCTy3o
Nothing wrong with that. What is noticeable is that all the participants are wearing helmets, even when they are not on public roads. In addition, when participants are on public roads, they are wearing hi-viz. The video was added to Youtube on 17 May- very recently.

Cyclists have varying views on this subject. What is not in doubt is the officical policy of Cycling Uk which states, amongst other things at https://www.cyclinguk.org/campaigning/views-and-briefings/cycle-helmets that

Cycling UK is opposed to both cycle helmet laws and to helmet promotion campaigns because these are almost certainly detrimental to public health. Evidence shows that the health benefits of cycling are so much greater than the relatively low risks involved

So where does this campaign fit in? Is this a case that as funding is from external sources to Cycling UK,

He who pays the piper calls the tune

As for hi-viz- the evidence is even more dubious than cycle helmets.

If helmets were a condition for this project to function, presumably Cycling UK signed off on this. If so, who did the deed and how do they justify it?

Does the policy of Cycling UK change according to who funds projects it is associated with? Does Cycling UK wish to change it's stated policy?

I think we'd all like to know..

[gaz]

The video makes mention of City Connect as project lead. Their site shows some polystyrene hats and builders vests but there are a fair number of images of ordinary looking people without PPE too.

This particular part of the project, who knows. At the end of the day we've discussed these matters on these boards before. If a partner or insurer demands hi-vis and helmets, or if the particpants simply choose them, Cycling UK clearly does not withdraw support.

I think we'd all like to know..

Perhaps the best way to get a definitive answer would be to ask National Office?