Helmets Anyone?

[aesmith]

On the other hand all males should wear helmets until they are 30.

Whether cycling, or not.

[meic]

That is what I meant

[bovlomov]

That is what I meant

Great! we're finally getting towards a consensus.

But my dad fainted and bashed his head after eating some dodgy fish from a takeaway.

So how about: Compulsory helmets for all under 30 males leaving from any public house, and for everybody who has eaten fish or seafood within the past two hours? A further paragraph could be added to the Bill to require helmet wearing for everyone who is going to bang their head that day.

[drossall]

Combined with my attitude on the roads ... and my helmet, I think drivers treat me with a certain respect, and give me space etc.

Curiously, in spite of the universal perception that cyclists are their own worst enemies (i.e. cycling standards are very low), in car-bike accidents the driver is two to three times more likely to be at fault; exactly how much depends on which of various studies in several countries you believe. If cyclists in general ride badly, but those involved in accidents are typically riding well, you can draw your own conclusions about how much safer you are!

One might also recall the Bristol study and other evidence that suggests that drivers pass closer to cyclists who look experienced and/or wear helmets. I am not convinced however that there is strong evidence for these latter suggestions at this point.

I still think that training and experience are invaluable, in case there is any doubt!

[CJ]

As this thread has progressed from the sublime to the ridiculous I thought this 20-year-old cartoon from "Cycletouring" might amuse:

To see what Tony's doing nowadays visit hilliersculpture.

[bovlomov]

As this thread has progressed from the sublime to the ridiculous I thought this 20-year-old cartoon from "Cycletouring" might amuse:

Funny cartoon!...

....but I've looked in my dictionary - I've managed to find plenty of ridiculous in this thread but I can't find any sublime.

[Cyclenut]

I've managed to find plenty of ridiculous in this thread but I can't find any sublime.

I plead guilty to the employment of a redundant cliche. Sorry.

[Firebird]

My apologies folks. I thought that I was encouraging people to return to the roads on two wheels who like myself have been absent from the saddle or have not ridden at all.

I had no idea that there were so many facists.

I thought cycling was an activity that "everyman" could engage in, however it seems there is a lot of snobbery and elitism in it.

Obviously you look down on learners who are trying to get started.

As none of you have actually seen the films yet really you are not qualified to comment on the angle I am taking. Remember the films are aimed at people starting off their lives as cyclists, and the films are about using bikes for daily travelling and family outings. They are not aimed at competitive or sports cyclists- if we get people using bikes again then they can turn to more competent and sporty minded cyclists for advice later.

[Firebird]

I am producing a series of short films about getting people back cycling by way of family transport, as well as touring and more sporty aspects of cycling.

I really do believe that people should be encouraged to use cycle helmets, and have put this in the film.

That's fine, but I hope no taxpayers' money is being used to promote your superstitions.

I have funded the films out of my own pocket by working in two jobs. To date my film company has not raided the pocket of the tax payers.

There is a lot of animosity on this site isn't there?

[kwackers]

I am producing a series of short films about getting people back cycling by way of family transport, as well as touring and more sporty aspects of cycling.

I really do believe that people should be encouraged to use cycle helmets, and have put this in the film.

That's fine, but I hope no taxpayers' money is being used to promote your superstitions.

I have funded the films out of my own pocket by working in two jobs. To date my film company has not raided the pocket of the tax payers.

There is a lot of animosity on this site isn't there?

Only as far as helmets are concerned.

The problem is you say you've produced a film trying to get people back on bicycles and that's to be applauded - but evidence suggests that were people are forced to wear helmets cycling use drops markedly having exactly the opposite effect.

So by 'recommending' helmets you may well have exactly the opposite effect to what you intended.

These are observations from reading the forums over some time - personally I'm helmet agnostic. I usually - but not always wear one.

However don't let it worry you, not everyone will agree with everything you do but so what? At least you're trying.

[Peyote]

There is a lot of animosity on this site isn't there?

Try not to take it personally Firebird, there's a lot of good folk here too!

I think the trouble is that new cyclists don't really understand how much of a polarising force helmets are to the more "established" cyclists. Any exhibition of a preference for or against helmets is jumped on by the more extreme elements and you suffer the flak that you've been exposed to here.

All I can say is keep up the good work, keep an open mind, and stay rubber side down!

[Peyote]

D'oh, Kwackers beat me to it!

[Firebird]

Ruuber side down! That's my kind of party!!!

All I can do is show what's available and let people form their own opinions.

[Bananaman]

I was involved in an accident last night, two cars pulled out from side junctions without seeing me.

Anyway I'd just like to thank all the contributors in this thread who have advised against helmet use will cycling. It is a great comfort to know that, statistically, bicyclists dont have accidents.

[AllanJ]

Anyway I'd just like to thank all the contributors in this thread who have advised against helmet use will cycling. It is a great comfort to know that, statistically, bicyclists dont have accidents.

Can you point to any post which makes that assertion?

As I suspect you know, what has actually been said is that cycling is a comparatively safe form of transport with an accident rate comparable to that of walking.

That Bananaman, is a Strawman!

Hope you're OK though.

Regards

Allan