Burton,

Please forgive my ignorance, but I'm not aware of proof that promoting
helmets reduces cycling, can you cite the source(s)?

Very interested,
Jason


On Thu, May 10, 2012 at 6:29 PM, burton richard
<[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Since the only two proven effects of helmet promotion and laws are a fall in
> the number of cyclists and obscene profits for the helmet manufacturers, I
> have some difficulty understanding why a cycling organisation would even
> consider promoting them.  At the very least, it makes that organisation look
> as if they are more interested in the manufacturer's profits than the safety
> of cyclists.  It was said some time ago, but is still true "You can promote
> helmets or you can promote cycling, but you can't do both."
>
> The promotion of cycle helmets is entirely counterproductive, and no
> organisation which has the interests of cyclists in mind would do so.
>
> Is there someone from the Cycling Embassy of Denmark on this group who could
> explain why they are doing something which won't improve the safety of
> cyclists but will reduce the number of them?
>
>
> On 10 May 2012 15:53, Jennings Gail <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>>
>> Glad you included us all. I agree with you. In SA helmets are mandatory,
>> and there's pressure on cyclists to police each other if we don't wear
>> helmets!  I've even been yelled at by drivers for not wearing a helmet, as
>> if I'm breaking some law that puts them at risks! Whenever the question of
>> bike-share / bike-rental comes up, there's the helmet issue that just won't
>> go away...
>>
>>
>> On 10 May 2012, at 4:45 PM, Dave du Feu wrote:
>>
>> Sorry all, I intended this to go to Jacob, but I guess no harm in it
>> appearing in the forum in case there are other views!
>>
>> On 10 May 2012 15:42, Dave du Feu <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>>>
>>> Thanks Jakob - I've already received another email about this, and had a
>>> quick look.   Seems a really exciting publication.
>>>
>>> One thing, I really cannot understand why you are pushing helmets.  We
>>> are doing our best over here to try and reduce the pressure for helmets, as
>>> they put people off from cycling (which also has the side effect of reducing
>>> the 'safety in numbers' effect which you also endorse!)
>>>
>>> I'm concerned about publicising your book in some circles, as coming from
>>> the one of the places which Britain looks up to as an example, it will be
>>> taken as a powerful endorsement of helmets.
>>>
>>> We are worried that they are gaining such credibility that there is a
>>> fear of compulsion coming in.   There are already some charity bike rides,
>>> aimed at ordinary cyclists, not racers, where under-18s are banned from
>>> taking part if they are unhelmeted.
>>>
>>> Dave du Feu
>>> Spokes, the Lothian Cycle Campaign
>>> [Edinburgh, Scotland]
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On 10 May 2012 15:32, Jakob Schiøtt Stenbæk Madsen <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Dear All,
>>>>
>>>> The Cycling Embassy of Denmark has just finished up a new publication
>>>> "Collection of Cycle Concepts 2012". The first edition of Collection of
>>>> Cycle Concepts was published in 2000 and enjoyed a wide circulation among
>>>> everyone interested in bicycle traffic. The simultaneous publication of the
>>>> English version spread the Danish bicycle traffic experience to many parts
>>>> of the world. The second edition, Collection of Cycle Concepts 2012, updates
>>>> the field, featuring new challenges and the latest knowledge.
>>>>
>>>> Collection of Cycle Concepts 2012 is not intended to be a summary of
>>>> Danish road standards, but to provide inspiration and motivation for
>>>> creating more and safer bicycle traffic - in Denmark as well as the rest of
>>>> the world.
>>>>
>>>> You can have a look and download the publication here:
>>>> http://www.cycling-embassy.dk/2012/05/10/cycle-concepts2012/
>>>>
>>>> Best regards,
>>>> Jakob Schiøtt Stenbæk Madsen
>>>> Project Officer
>>>>
>>>> M. +45 40 70 83 62
>>>>
>>>> Danish Cyclists' Federation
>>>> Rømersgade 5
>>>> DK-1362 København K
>>>>
>>>> T. +45 33 32 31 21
>>>> [log in to unmask]
>>>> www.cyklistforbundet.dk
>>>
>>>
>>
>> --
>> ** Spokes: spokes.org.uk; twitter.com/SpokesLothian
>> ** Personal: twitter.com/DaveduFeu; flickr.com/photos/34847720@N03/sets
>> ** Great sites: badscience.net, 38degrees.org.uk, copenhagenize.com,
>> thebikestation.org.uk, ghgonline.org
>>
>>
>