I find it strange that grown-ups cycle on the footpath all the time. Many cyclists also cycle the wrong way down cycle lanes. There's no shortage of stupid people out there.Why any cyclist could possibly think that not wearing a helmet, while cycling, is a good idea... I just don't understand.
Well if the numbers of people cycling increases then you'd expect a pro-rata increase in the injuries unless cycling is becoming safer.With a push to promote more cycling, and no sign of new regulation, law enforcement, or compulsory training for cyclists, I fear that when the brain injury statistics are next updated, the number of injured cyclists will have increased.
In the town where I live the cycle paths are marked by 2 faded white lines on the path on the main street. I'm sure half the people walking on the cycle lane think I'm a nuisance on a bicycle on the footpath when in reality they're on my turf!I find it strange that grown-ups cycle on the footpath all the time.
Oh I read it, but you clearly didn't understand the question, so I'll repeat:
Surely you understand focusing only on children does not give you a comprehensive overview of the impact on the population as a whole. Also, where does the Robinson report cover the effects on overall population health or other societal impacts?
I'd be strongly against compulsory helmet wearing as it's proven to reduce cycling, particularly in children, when we need to encourage the opposite from both traffic congestion and health perspectives. With the move towards 30km/h speed limits in most urban areas, these should be safe environments to cycle in without the need for a helmet.
The data says that overall helmets make little or no difference to injury numbers or outcomes. Look at the studies referenced in the Beaumont paper and look at the results where helmet use was made mandatory. You'll see little change in cycling injuries but a significant increase in morbidity due to the health implications of fewer people cycling. A neurologist will always tell you everyone should wear helmets all the time and if they did, X% of injuries would be mitigated, but they are the wrong people to assess the overall societal impact of mandating helmet use.
More risk-taking by cyclists* and less precautions among motorists overtaking them (studies show drivers pass on average 8.5cm closer to cyclists wearing helmets) increasing the risk of injury to remaining cyclists
* Multiple studies show that wearing helmets increases risk-taking. Indeed, it has been show that the wearing of a helmet https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0956797615620784 (increased the risk appetite) of study participants in activities where the helmet could have no possible effect on the outcome.
I agree with you. I don't use cycle paths that are just lines on a footpath. I find pedestrians too dangerous.In the town where I live the cycle paths are marked by 2 faded white lines on the path on the main street. I'm sure half the people walking on the cycle lane think I'm a nuisance on a bicycle on the footpath when in reality they're on my turf!
Again it's the infrastructure that's the problem. The helmet issue is a distraction.
Where to start.Why any cyclist could possibly think that not wearing a helmet, while cycling, is a good idea... I just don't understand.
Then again, I've seen (adult) cyclists do so many stupid things over the last few years, that I suppose nothing should come as a surprise - other than the surprise that comes from how few cyclists are killed, every year.
With a push to promote more cycling, and no sign of new regulation, law enforcement, or compulsory training for cyclists, I fear that when the brain injury statistics are next updated, the number of injured cyclists will have increased.
Do you think they might be cycling on the footpath because they feel safer? Did you think about the times - more cars when they cycle to school much fewer when they cycle home from school. Spot the common denominator?I live down the road from New Park Comprehensive School and every morning I see the pupils cycling to school
the majority of the ones I see are cycling on the footpath and not on the road or the "not in use" bus lane
Some cycle slowly others quite fast but the majority at least have their helmets on
Fast forward to when school finishes I see the opposite, most are on the road/bus lane and a sizeable number now have their helmets hanging from their handle bars which presumably will be back on the head just before they arrive home
I often wonder who tells them to cycle on the path and if I happen to be leaving my driveway and one of these kids collides with my car am I going to be held 100% responsible for it, I presume that I will be??
I simply don't understand why people are so vehemently against the wearing of helmets in urban areas and I don't think a mandatory law would actually have an impact on participation. I've pointed out that in other countries, similar studies showed no impact on cycling participation so I don't believe it is possible to say that mandating helmets will result in a reduction in cyclist followed by an unhealthy population from lack of exercise.
What new regulation should there be? The Garda enforce very few of the existing laws with regard to bus lane driving, illegal parking, speeding, red light running. Better to start there than add new laws.
With a push to promote more cycling, and no sign of new regulation, law enforcement, or compulsory training for cyclists, I fear that when the brain injury statistics are next updated, the number of injured cyclists will have increased.
I'm really not sure of your point.
"De ting I luv aboud dis ciddeh - no madder where you goah, you're still in Cork."What do you expect; Cork is full of Cork people.
They may feel safer but it's dangerous and against the law. If you lack the skills, confidence or coordination to cycle on the road or in a cycle lane/path then you shouldn't cycle. My 11 year old cycles on the road. Adults and teenagers cycling on footpaths are embarrassing themselves.Do you think they might be cycling on the footpath because they feel safer? Did you think about the times - more cars when they cycle to school much fewer when they cycle home from school. Spot the common denominator?
Many joggers go at a similar pace to people cycling so I'm really not sure of your point.
To be clear, I don't think anyone should be cycling on a footpath, particularly adults, however I can understand how a child might feel safer doing so. How did your child get the confidence to cycle on the road? Fair play.They may feel safer but it's dangerous and against the law. If you lack the skills, confidence or coordination to cycle on the road or in a cycle lane/path then you shouldn't cycle. My 11 year old cycles on the road. Adults and teenagers cycling on footpaths are embarrassing themselves.
I went cycling with her and over a few weeks showed her what to do.How did your child get the confidence to cycle on the road? Fair play.
I grew up in Cambridge, a cycling city, in the 60s. You weren't allowed ride your bike to school until you had passed a practical riding and road safety course given in the school playground by a local police person. Worked.
Well, there's two ways of looking at that! Perhaps it's the case that the speed limits are ridiculously low, particularly the lower urban limits. I mean 30kmh, less than 19mph in old money, is farcical. Having a law that unrealistic only succeeds in lowering respect for the law and driving a wedge between citizens and law enforcement.Indeed, Dublin Council free speed surveys show the vast majority breaking urban limits particularly the lower urban limits and traffic wardens and clampers are looked upon as some evil force out to get the poor innocent motorist.
I have fond memories of the traffic school beside what is now Clontarf DART station, as am sure so do many other pre-Celtic Tiger era school kids
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