Agh this ugly subject again, The Womens Institute this time 'think' it is a good idea that all cyclists should be made to wear a cycle helmet. They have got it spectacularly wrong despite being well meaning, without looking into the facts.
There is so much to say on the subject but I will try and be brief: on the face of it, a helmet would surely be the answer to saving lives, logic dictates this. It seems that not many people know that they are designed only for non-vehicular accidents and speeds of less than about 15mph ie not saving your life!
Where Countries have made it compulsory there has not been a change to deaths or serious injuries which can be attributed to helmet wear, whats more it has resulted in less people cycling with the resultant benefits of cycling to health therefore being missed out.
What is required though is safer streets so our kids can play, walk or cycle to school without the risk associated with heavy volumes of cars in our urban environment.
Many of our European neighbours have far higher numbers of people cycling and without any helmets, in fact on functional bikes in normal clothes, (not a stitch of lycra in sight, a fully enclosed chain guard so you don't get oil on your clothes, even a coat/dress guard over the back wheel) and have some of the lowest injury rates anywhere.
Edit: Here is an excellent open letter to the WI which explains the subject well.
Why not do something positive and Please sign this petition against compulsory cycle helmets and join Sustrans 'Free Range Kids' campaign which promotes improving our environment?
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