Tim Jones wrote:
> I would also concur that it is 'perceived danger' from MOTOR traffic
> that puts people off.
I agree. However people also tend to underestimate the danger due to
their own mistakes or due to other cyclists. In Switzerland we have
"SlowUps", mass cycle rides on roads closed to other traffic. The
standard of riding is appalling, because people feel safe when there are
no or few cars. This results in many minor accidents or near misses.
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.
I take it that on *this* list it is possible to mention such things
without causing a "helmet war"!
Theo Schmidt, Switzerland
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