Compulsary bike helmets?

[SueEllen]

I agree normally pelting down the inside of a lorry turning left will do that for you, but while that theres no law keeping you in a lane, in the interests of harmony, why not reciprocate the fact that I am trying not to mow you down by giving me a clear shot at getting out of your way and using the lanes that you have been given unless you have a valid reason like the need to go round the right hand side of another car or a herd of rabid weasels.

The attitude of oh look half of london is now a cycle lane but its fine for me to still be under everyones wheels because I'm special is not going to win friends is it?

Seriously look at some cycle lanes or get on a bike and ride along some before making such a stupid comment. You are more likely to mow someone down or injury them if cyclists insisted on using some of the more stupidly placed cycle lanes in London.

[Underscore Pt2]

So, again, you are of the opinion that if you put a helmet on you'll suddenly become even more of an arsehole? You don't think you'll carry on behaving just like you do currently - snapping closed that chin strap will instantly transform you? And that's why you won't wear one?

I dont wear one as i have airght not to wear one. I dont like them. Adn if i ended up under an HGV a plastic helmet isnt worth piff. Oh and now you're calling me an arsehole? Stick to the debate. Keep the personal stuff for your palm.

[d000hg]

Smart enough never to have been close to an accident on my bike

I think the word is lucky, not smart. Sure, you can avoid roads which are more dangerous and be vigilant, but not every factor is under your control.

[DaveB]

Seriously look at some cycle lanes or get on a bike and ride along some before making such a stupid comment. You are more likely to mow someone down or injury them if cyclists insisted on using some of the more stupidly placed cycle lanes in London.

Indeed, in particular those on roads that have central islands ion them as a traffic calming measure that narrow the lanes. I always pull into the middle of the lane for these because if I don't some idiot in a car or a van will try and squeeze past me regardless of the amount of room available.

Not to mention the need to get out of the way of busses pulling into bus stops etc that mean we have to pull out into traffic to get past them. Yes, cyclists should look and indicate before doing so, but equally car drivers should be aware of whats going on in front of them and it's reasonable to expect a cyclist to pull out to get past a bus if it's indicating thats it's going to pull into a bus stop in front of you.

Then there are the wheel eating potholes that will wreck your bike or chuck you off into traffic or both if you don't avoid them. The most useful skill I ever learnt riding in London was being able to bunny hop over them in an emergency.

[Underscore Pt2]

In that case, your views are stupid.

Whether you should be forced to wear a helmet, I don't know. Defending your right to be an arse Vs defending other people from the horror when they kill you due to lack of helmet!

Please explain how i am going to be killed by not wearing a helmet... SOME poor people have died not wearing a helmet. IF i put a helmet on it doesnt mean i wont be kiiled by a car at some point. You cannot force people to wear a helmet on a bike.

[Ticktock]

You cannot force people to wear a helmet on a bike.

Yes, of course you can. It just isn't currently done in this country.
What you're saying is the same as "You cannot force people to wear a seatbelt in a car".
OK, you can't physically check every person, every time and ensure a 100% compliance rate, but you can put measures in place to "encourage" their use.

[Underscore Pt2]

Yes, of course you can. It just isn't currently done in this country.
What you're saying is the same as "You cannot force people to wear a seatbelt in a car".
OK, you can't physically check every person, every time and ensure a 100% compliance rate, but you can put measures in place to "encourage" their use.

Should a child wear a helmet when cycling in the park? Should they be banned from playing Rugby incase they break bones? What about kids climbing trees? Rope swings over water? ALL SHOULD BE BANNED.... someone might die!

[DaveB]

Please explain how i am going to be killed by not wearing a helmet... SOME poor people have died not wearing a helmet. IF i put a helmet on it doesnt mean i wont be kiiled by a car at some point. You cannot force people to wear a helmet on a bike.

No, but it does reduce the likelihood of it happening. It's the difference between your head smacking into the kerb at 20mph and fracturing your skull or getting away with concussion.

[SueEllen]

Should a child wear a helmet when cycling in the park? Should they be banned from playing Rugby incase they break bones? What about kids climbing trees? Rope swings over water? ALL SHOULD BE BANNED.... someone might die!

Actually some parents ban their kids from doing lots of things - so you shouldn't joke.

Remember parents are responsible for their children's well-being.

[Underscore Pt2]

Actually some parents ban their kids from doing lots of things - so you shouldn't joke.

Remember parents are responsible for their children's well-being.

Exactly...and after taking an 8yo school football session last night I really fear for the children. Some of these kids were actually scared of a football and its the parents that turn them into that. A ball hit a kids hand and he started crying...nothing wrong with him...and his mum took him away. I have kids and I'd be ashamed if they were like that.