I hate helmet threads but...

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keepontriking
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I hate helmet threads but...

Post by keepontriking »

Yesterday I was running cycle training session with 40 children and parents.
One parent was also a teacher and ....

They have just banned cycle helmets for their Reception class (who use small trikes) due to so many being badly fitted! They have written this into their risk-assessment.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

Some common sense at last :D
 
The revolution begins.....
dan_b
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Post by dan_b »

I fear the backlash. Or the back-backlash or whatever it is.

It only takes a local paper to get wind of a decision like that, and it could end someone's career
keepontriking
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Post by keepontriking »

dan_b wrote:I fear the backlash. Or the back-backlash or whatever it is.

It only takes a local paper to get wind of a decision like that, and it could end someone's career


I prefer to think positively :D
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Wildduck
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Post by Wildduck »

Babies, bathwater, all being thrown out together comes to mind!

One of the few groups helmets are valuable for!

Couldn't somebody just have a fiddle with the straps and sort the adjustment out?
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keepontriking
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Post by keepontriking »

Wildduck wrote:One of the few groups helmets are valuable for!


Err... tricycles.
Don't think so really otherwise they may as well have them while sitting at their desks or when walking too.
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Si
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Post by Si »

When you say badly fitted do you mean way to big/small, or just that the straps weren't adjusted properly? If the latter then it does seem an over reaction when a quick bit of training could have sorted things.
keepontriking
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Post by keepontriking »

Si wrote:When you say badly fitted do you mean way to big/small, or just that the straps weren't adjusted properly? If the latter then it does seem an over reaction when a quick bit of training could have sorted things.


I've no idea. The teacher told me they had done their risk assessment and banned the use of helmets.

I cannot see why they should consider training when they have decided that the helmet has no benefit to their activity.

It sounds a very positive move away from the nannyism that is so prevalent today.
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Wildduck
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Post by Wildduck »

I meant valuable for children. At the speeds they travel and the obstacles their heads will hit, a helmet will actual do some good.

Tricycles do overturn, just ask a few (even the recumbent types - just ask Ben Lovejoy!).
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keepontriking
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Post by keepontriking »

Wildduck wrote:I meant valuable for children. At the speeds they travel and the obstacles their heads will hit, a helmet will actual do some good.


Fair enough. Clearly you know better than those who are supervising the children and who have undertaken their risk assessment.
I suggest you now contact the LA - I can supply their details (PM me) and you can make your views known.

Tricycles do overturn, just ask a few (even the recumbent types - just ask Ben Lovejoy!)


You don't say.
Children fall off chairs too. I assume you lobby for helmets for them as well.
keepontriking
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Post by keepontriking »

keepontriking wrote:
Wildduck wrote:I meant valuable for children. At the speeds they travel and the obstacles their heads will hit, a helmet will actual do some good.


Fair enough.
I suggest you now contact the LA - I can supply their details (PM me) and you can make your views known.


BUMP
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bikely-challenged
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Post by bikely-challenged »

Why does this subject cause so much ire?

Let those that want to wear helmets do so (and be told how to fit them properly - how long would that take?), and those that don't want to wear them, don't.

Or is that too simple-minded of me?
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kwackers
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Post by kwackers »

bikely-challenged wrote:Why does this subject cause so much ire?

Let those that want to wear helmets do so (and be told how to fit them properly - how long would that take?), and those that don't want to wear them, don't.

Or is that too simple-minded of me?


It causes ire because there's a contingent of people (with power) intent on taking that choice away.

They have a simplistic view that since it would be better to be wearing an helmet if you were to hit yourself on the head with an hammer, then it must be better to be wearing one if you're on a bike.

Facts and figures don't come into it, neither does the ability of you to make your own mind up.
keepontriking
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Post by keepontriking »

kwackers wrote:It causes ire because there's a contingent of people (with power) intent on taking that choice away.

They have a simplistic view that since it would be better to be wearing an helmet if you were to hit yourself on the head with an hammer, then it must be better to be wearing one if you're on a bike.


But this thread is about some teachers who have banned their use :D

Something wildduck disagreed with - but he seems to have gone quiet :wink:
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bikely-challenged
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Post by bikely-challenged »

Thank you, Kwackers. I didn't know that and I Googled it and found some interesting reading. I never liked the look of Coulthard :evil:

Not sure I agree with banning helmets though. I suppose those that don't like it can vote with their feet.
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adinigel
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Post by adinigel »

kwackers wrote:....It causes ire because there's a contingent of people (with power) intent on taking that choice away.....


Like a teacher who feels that because some helmets are badly fitted no-one should wear them!

Nigel
DSA registered Driving Instructor, RoSPA Diploma in Advanced Car Instruction, SAFED registered van trainer, National Standards Cycling Instructor
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