Helmet laws discourage youth cycling

http://www.gse.uci.edu/docs/Carpente...ript_50409.pdf

ABSTRACT

Over 20 states have adopted laws requiring youths to wear a helmet when
riding a bicycle. We

confirm previous research indicating that these laws reduced fatalities and
increased helmet use,

but we also show that the laws significantly reduced youth bicycling........
Our results highlight important

intended and unintended consequences of a well-intentioned public policy.

From the country that will not make seat belts compulsory in cars!

Claude wrote:
http://www.gse.uci.edu/docs/Carpente...ript_50409.pdf

ABSTRACT

Over 20 states have adopted laws requiring youths to wear a helmet when
riding a bicycle. We

confirm previous research indicating that these laws reduced fatalities and
increased helmet use,

but we also show that the laws significantly reduced youth bicycling........
Our results highlight important

intended and unintended consequences of a well-intentioned public policy.




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"Jack Russell" wrote in message
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From the country that will not make seat belts compulsory in cars!

Your point being?

You are right, badly expressed.
Seat belts save a huge number of lives and do not put people off car
travel. So why not make it compulsory.

Compulsory helmet wearing does put people off cycling so should not
exist in any state or country. The BMA has repeatedly said that cycling
saves lives through improved health and that is the best reason for not
having compulsory helmet wearing.

I have worn helmets for 30 years but still do not believe they should be
compulsory ( I am a bit ambivalent about whether they should be
compulsory for minors however).





Claude wrote:
"Jack Russell" wrote in message
...

From the country that will not make seat belts compulsory in cars!

Your point being?




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"Jack Russell" wrote in message
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The BMA has repeatedly said that cycling saves lives through improved
health and that is the best reason for not having compulsory helmet
wearing. I have worn helmets for 30 years but still do not believe they
should be compulsory ( I am a bit ambivalent about whether they should be
compulsory for minors however).


Of course, it's a big assumption that people who are put off cycling by
compulsory helmet requirements don't take up some alternative activity that
improves health by a comparable amount. Young people in particular would
have many other options.

Claude wrote:
"Jack Russell" wrote in message
...


The BMA has repeatedly said that cycling saves lives through improved
health and that is the best reason for not having compulsory helmet
wearing. I have worn helmets for 30 years but still do not believe they
should be compulsory ( I am a bit ambivalent about whether they should be
compulsory for minors however).


Of course, it's a big assumption that people who are put off cycling by
compulsory helmet requirements don't take up some alternative activity that
improves health by a comparable amount. Young people in particular would
have many other options.


I do not think it is a big assumption. In most European countries
(including the UK) older people cycle to the shops, pub, etc. There is
no doubt in my mind after talking to these people that they would not
cycle if forced to wear a helmet.

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"Jack Russell" wrote in message
...



I do not think it is a big assumption. In most European countries
(including the UK) older people cycle to the shops, pub, etc. There is no
doubt in my mind after talking to these people that they would not cycle
if forced to wear a helmet.


Yes, but presumably they'd get health benefits from walking to the pub
instead

Claude wrote:
"Jack Russell" wrote in message
...


I do not think it is a big assumption. In most European countries
(including the UK) older people cycle to the shops, pub, etc. There is no
doubt in my mind after talking to these people that they would not cycle
if forced to wear a helmet.


Yes, but presumably they'd get health benefits from walking to the pub
instead


But they don't they drive or bus it!
Anyway, let us agree to differ on this

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"Jack Russell" wrote in message
...

Anyway, let us agree to differ on this

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Hey, I'm on holidays, I've got time on my hands! :-)

"Jack Russell" wrote in message
...

Anyway, let us agree to differ on this

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Forgot to mention that I don't really have strong views one way or another
on this. I'm primarily interested in seeing whatever evidence there is for
the respective POVs. More of a scientific interest really.