On 24 May 2006, at 11:05, Theo Schmidt wrote:
> I would be interested in how this thread ties in with helmet usage.
> Helmet opponents point out that wearing helmets signifies "Cycling is
> dangerous" and thus causes an increase in fretful people who do not
> consider cycling. This seems to be shown by statistics, although there
> must be a few other factors as well. On the other hand, people who do
> wear helmets feel safer with them on, which may get them to cycle
> more. In my case, I tend to cycle faster when wearing a helmet.
> Certainly the perceived safety due to helmets is higher than the
> actual safety gain, so much so that highly emotional attitudes are
> formed. Adults who wear helmets often complain about adults who don't
> wear helmets as being irresponsible and stupid. Adults who don't wear
> helmets point out that many "normal" activities are much more
> dangerous than cycling.
>
Some similar issues came up on the UK Cycle Planning group last year. I
published a very short summary here:
http://philica.com/display_observation.php?observation_id=8
> I take it that on *this* list it is possible to mention such things
> without causing a "helmet war"!
>
I hope so!
Ian
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