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Anti-LTN Tory accused of hypocrisy over support for al fresco dining scheme; TikTok star in hot water for riding with pet dog strapped on his back; Polite bike thief told where to go; Jeremy Vine vs cabby; TTs back on next month + more on the live blog

It's Wednesday and Dan Alexander is here to take you through the middle of the week on the live blog...
24 February 2021, 17:18
Teams revealed for inaugural women's Paris-Roubaix
24 February 2021, 16:54
Giro d'Italia route announced

After several flase starts, the Giro d'Italia route has been released. Eyes were immediately drawn to another summit finish at the fearsome Zoncolan and a mountain stage featuring gravel roads and a finish up a ski slope...Insert jokes about Primož Roglič...

The route stays in the north and centre of Italy, avoiding the south completely and has the usual foray into the high mountains. After an opening day TT in Turin, stage six sees the first summit finish of the race. There are more gravel roads on stage 11, before the Zoncolan comes on stage 14. Stage 15 takes the riders out of Italy for a day of racing in neighbouring Slovenia ahead of the first of two stages in the final week at serious altitude.

Stage 16 takes in the triple-header of Passo Fedaia, Pordoi and Giau, all north of 2,000m. The race ends with a battle royale mountain stage before one final time trial in Milan. Roll on May...

24 February 2021, 16:12
Anti-LTN Tory accused of hypocrisy over support for al fresco dining scheme

Tony Devenish made a name for himself on this site before Christmas when he stood on Kensington High Street to film a video with Conservative MP Felicity Buchan calling for the bike lane is ripped out. The London Assembly Member for Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster has also raised concerns about LTNs in the past and shared an article claiming that the schemes direct traffic from affluent areas to poorer neighbourhoods.

Today he has been accused of hypocrisy for praising Westminster Council's announcement that they'll be running an al fresco dining scheme from April 12. The scheme will allow businesses to move seating and tables into closed roads to continue to serve customers throughout the summer months. 

Adam Tranter suggested "the manufactured culture war appears to have a hidden clause that you can close roads for eating."

24 February 2021, 15:39
Appeal to find stolen van

Mick Ives' van was stolen from the driveway of his house some time between 11:45am and 7pm on Sunday February 21. Mick uses the van to support Coventry cycling team, Team Jewson M.I.Racing and it has Jewson branding on both sides. It's a blue Ford transit 350L with registration plate BL67 BZY. Any sightings or information should be directed to Warwickshire Police on 02476 483432 quoting the crime investigation number 23/6355/21.

24 February 2021, 14:47
Count down the days: Cycling Time Trials back in action on March 29
time trial club tt - 1.JPG

Some good news on the horizon for any competitive types reading this. Cycling Time Trials are resuming their Type A (open) and Type B (club) events in England on 29 March, barring any changes to the government roadmap of course. For full info on what the roadmap means for cycling, check out our comprehensive review of Boris Johnson's announcement...

24 February 2021, 14:31
Sam Bennett wins sprint stage at UAE Tour

Excuse the late UAE Tour update. I was out on the roads this lunchtime riding considerably slower than today's stage winner Sam Bennett. The Irishman bagged his first of the season from a bunch sprint ahead of Jumbo-Visma's David Dekker and Lotto Soudal's Caleb Ewan. It was a much quieter day in the saddle for the peloton compared to Sunday's sprint stage with no crosswind dramas. Hopefully, RTÉ will pick up on Bennett's victory. On Monday the Irish broadcaster said Bennett went another stage without challenging. That stage was an individual time trial... Yesterday they said Bennett failed to pick up any points...It was a summit finish...I guess today it'll be a shock win for Bennett in the sprint. 

24 February 2021, 13:44
TikTok star accused of "abuse" for cycling with pet dog on his back

TikTok star Brodie That Dood has 1.4 million followers on the platform but faced a social media backlash after posting a video of him riding his sharp-looking Trek while carrying his dog on his back. Citics have said it's abuse and puts his dog in danger, others wanted to know why he wasn't wearing a helmet?

Karlito Sanchez commented: "Good cyclists still fall, aren’t you afraid to hurt your fluffy boy?" Makeyaownhustle called it the "dumbest thing I've seen today."

Jaminlou got straight to the point with his reply: "What an excuse. This is psychopathic. Putting your dog in unreasonable danger. Abuser." Justagirlwithideas added: "This looks so unsafe. You aren’t wearing your helmet and what happens if you crash or someone hits you... your dog can’t protect herself/himself. It’s your responsibility to do that. This is cute but I am worried about your dog."

In a reply video, the social media star doubled down, using Britney Spears' 'Oops!...I did it again' to hit back at the comments...

24 February 2021, 12:04
"Devastated" family of Tony Parsons appeal for information over cyclist's death
Anthony Parsons (picture via Police Scotland).PNG

Tony Parsons' family say they were "devastated" by the news that the cyclist's body was found three years after he went missing and have appealed for anyone with information to come forward. Two men were arrested in connection with his disappearance at the start of the year but have since been released. 

Parsons went missing during a charity bike ride in September 2017 and was last seen outside the Bridge of Orchy Hotel at around 23:30. He continued south on the A82 but there were no further sightings. His remains were found in a remote area near the A82 in January 2021 and Police have distributed flyers and posters in nearby Tyndrum. In a statement issued through Police Scotland, the cyclist's son Mike said the last three years had been "incredibly hard".

"We always hoped there would be a positive outcome and have now been left devastated by my dad's death," he said. "I know we cannot get closure until we find out who did this and why it happened, so I would ask anyone who may have even the smallest piece of information to please speak to the police and help us get the answers and closure we need."

24 February 2021, 11:52
Proposals received for Hammersmith ferry service
Hammersmith Bridge (copyright Simon MacMichael)

City Cruises and Uber Boat by Thames Clippers have submitted their proposals to Transport for London for operating a ferry service to transport cyclists and pedestrians across the Thames while Hammersmith Bridge is repaired. The service is expected to carry around 800 passengers an hour and will run from 06:00-22:00 on weekdays, with an off-peak service at weekends. Fares are expected to match buses from £1.55.

The news comes as TfL says it is working with other members of the Hammersmith Bridge Taskforce to agree a long-term solution for reopening the bridge to road users. £16.7 million has been spent by TfL on investigations, feasibility, design monitoring and early works. A further £4 million has been committed to repair work.

24 February 2021, 10:54
Pair get £900 fine for cycling in town centre
grimsby town centre - wikimedia commons

Two people caught cycling in Grimsby town centre have been fined more than £450 each by North East Lincolnshire Council. The Lincolnite reports they appeared in court after failing to pay fines for cycling in a pedestrianised area of Victoria Street. Their £100 fixed penalty notice was bumped up to a £200 fine, £226 costs and £34 victim surcharge.

More than 40 people have been prosecuted for cycling in a prohibited zone since the council announced a crackdown on anti-social behaviour in the area in November. Councillor Ron Shepherd said: "We will fine you if you put other people at risk by cycling in Grimsby’s pedestrian zone. Those who choose not to pay the £100 fixed penalty notice, find themselves facing a larger bill in court. I’m grateful to the courts for supporting our stance.

“Shoppers, businesses and people working in the town centre often complain about nuisance cycling in the town centre. There’s no need to cycle in the pedestrian area – Bethlehem Street and Osborne Street are literally a few metres away and run parallel to it."

24 February 2021, 10:05
"Boss, can I get this bike?": Polite bike thief wearing face mask told where to go

It was nice of this would-be thief to ask before trying to nab a bike...Adhering to Covid regs too by wearing a face mask, what a stand-up young person...

The person who sent this video suggested the thief tries stealing a bike they can reach the pedals on next time...Approaching the cyclist, the child asks where he's from to get him to stop before a fairly uncommitted effort at getting the bike. "Nah, you're alright," before riding away at a leisurely pace adds to the comedy scene.

"If only he had cleats and was 6'3 he could have ridden it. Oh and knew what fixed is! He would have crashed it five meters away," our cyclist joked. He added that he saw the child with a group of adults who shouted to him before the youngster was sent in moments later...

24 February 2021, 09:32
Campaign to save disused railways for future active travel routes
Jaapston Bridge (Credit Allan Ogg)

More than 10,000 people have signed a petition objecting to Highways England's plans to demolish 100 disused railway bridges. Campaigners say the bridges could form future rail or active travel routes. Highways England intends to demolish up to 480 between now and 2030 with 115 bridges and tunnels already marked for phase one of the project. 

An appraisal by The HRE Group, an alliance of engineers, cycling campaigners and greenway developers, found that roughly a third of the structures are already proposed for reuse as new cycle paths, reopened railways or heritage lines. Further information obtained through Freedom of Information Acts found that 55 (48%) of the bridges have not failed their assessments and 24 (21%) are regarded as fit for purpose.

Gordon Masterton is chair of the Institution of Civil Engineers' Panel for Historical Engineering Works. He explained that the bridges and tunnels could play a key part in transitioning to a greener future. "Disused railways offer unique opportunities; many have already been repurposed through iconic active travel routes, enjoyed by millions of people every year," Masterton said. "The value of existing infrastructure must be recognised as we evolve to greener modes of transport. Walking and cycling greatly benefit our health, wellbeing and the environment, and we need to build on the uptake seen during the first lockdown by creating more safe space."

24 February 2021, 08:35
Jeremy Vine gives black cab driver benefit of the doubt

Jeremy Vine's left this one up to us to decide if the taxi driver was in the wrong here. Clearly the broadcaster had right of way, although it sounds like he has some sympathy for the driver considering the road Jeremy came out of is one-way, except for the cycle lane which had roadworks. On the other hand, Vine also showed a picture of the sign telling drivers to give way to oncoming cyclists... certainly not the worst London cycling clip he's shared...Two weeks ago he shared this clip of a driver blaring his horn as he passed, only to get stopped at the next set of lights...Or how about the motorist driving in the Hyde Park cycle lane...

Some have even suggested that Jeremy was in the wrong for cycling up a one-way street when the cycle lane is closed. That point has been rebutted by Vine who says the sign in the video shows the lane is still open...Have a watch, have a read and make your own minds up...

Dan joined road.cc in 2020, and spent most of his first year (hopefully) keeping you entertained on the live blog. At the start of 2022 he took on the role of news editor. Before joining road.cc, Dan wrote about various sports, including football and boxing for the Daily Express, and covered the weird and wonderful world of non-league football for The Non-League Paper. Part of the generation inspired by the 2012 Olympics, Dan has been 'enjoying' life on two wheels ever since and spends his weekends making bonk-induced trips to the petrol stations of the south of England.

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74 comments

Avatar
mdavidford | 3 years ago
0 likes

Quote:

a mountain stage featuring gravel roads and a finish up a ski slope...Insert jokes about Primož Roglič...

Except it's a ski slope, not a ski jump. Though I would love to see them try to tackle a stage finish up a ski jump - that would be kind of hilarious.

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Captain Badger replied to mdavidford | 3 years ago
2 likes

mdavidford wrote:

...

Except it's a ski slope, not a ski jump. ....

And it's DOOR mirrors, FFS!

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mdavidford replied to Captain Badger | 3 years ago
1 like

Captain Badger wrote:

mdavidford wrote:

...

Except it's a ski slope, not a ski jump. ....

And it's DOOR mirrors, FFS!

Yeah - OK - so I just wanted to give everyone the mental image of the peloton attempting to struggle up a ski jump.

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Captain Badger replied to mdavidford | 3 years ago
0 likes

mdavidford wrote:

....

Yeah - OK - so I just wanted to give everyone the mental image of the peloton attempting to struggle up a ski jump.

Yeah I know, just being me, sorry couldn't resist

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Organon | 3 years ago
3 likes

That is clearly a paraplegic Wookiee with its support human, I applaude its passion to stay active.

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wtjs | 3 years ago
3 likes

I interpret a 'helmet nazi' as someone deploying verbal or physical violence against a cyclist not wearing a helmet. I don't think writing forcefully in favour of helmets qualifies. Fortunately, another cyclist not wearing a helmet doesn't affect me, although I find the omission barmy. Wearing them entails no detriment to anyone but those worried about their hair, and a helmet could be highly beneficial.

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wycombewheeler replied to wtjs | 3 years ago
6 likes

wtjs wrote:

I interpret a 'helmet nazi' as someone deploying verbal or physical violence against a cyclist not wearing a helmet. I don't think writing forcefully in favour of helmets qualifies. Fortunately, another cyclist not wearing a helmet doesn't affect me, although I find the omission barmy. Wearing them entails no detriment to anyone but those worried about their hair, and a helmet could be highly beneficial.

Is it equally barmy for pedestrians crossing the road, people using stairs, ladders? getting out of the bath?

Risk of falling off a bike is low, consequences for a fall are also normally quite low. Helmet does not protect against collision with vehicle or highspeed collision with street furniture, only the fall.

Probably come off my bike 4 or 5 times in 30 years. Approximately half with and half without. Reckon helmet may have saved me from concussion and grazed ear once, no head injuries when not using.

More people present to A&E with head injuries as car occupants, no one is calling for driving helmets.

I wear a helmet when riding with others due to the increased risk of a fall from touching wheels and because it is club policy. But no one is going to fall off on a 1km hill climb, probably on a closed road.

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Rendel Harris replied to wycombewheeler | 3 years ago
2 likes

wycombewheeler wrote:

Is it equally barmy for pedestrians crossing the road, people using stairs, ladders? getting out of the bath?

Personally, when crossing the road, going up the stairs or getting out of the bath I'm not going 30 mph and will hit tarmac with my head at that speed if I have a mishap. But top notch analogy.

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ktache replied to Rendel Harris | 3 years ago
8 likes

Your polystyrene cycle helmet will provide very little protection to you if you are hitting the ground with downward velocity of 30mph, though you are going to have to falling from a very tall bicycle to be doing this.

Now hitting a kerb or street furniture would seem more apt, but as I say very little protection.

And when crossing the road, it's more to so with the speed of the vehicle that hits you than anything else.

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Rendel Harris replied to ktache | 3 years ago
1 like

ktache wrote:

Your polystyrene cycle helmet...

Why do folks always love to quote the fact that cycle helmets are made of polystyrene as if it somehow undermines their protective capacity? Polystyrene is an amazingly strong material used extensively in high-stress and/or protective applications, e.g. car head restraints, side impact protection, bumper filler, child seats, even surfboards. It's also (and this amuses me because anti-helemteers are often at pains to stress the difference between cycle and motorcycle helmets) the primary component of all motorcycle helemts, in fact a motorcycle helmet is effectively simply a thicker cycle helmet, but oddly I haven't see many people saying they're useless and motorcyclists are fools to wear them.

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joe9090 replied to Rendel Harris | 3 years ago
4 likes

Rendel Harris wrote:

ktache wrote:

Your polystyrene cycle helmet...

Why do folks always love to quote the fact that cycle helmets are made of polystyrene as if it somehow undermines their protective capacity? Polystyrene is an amazingly strong material used extensively in high-stress and/or protective applications, e.g. car head restraints, side impact protection, bumper filler, child seats, even surfboards. It's also (and this amuses me because anti-helemteers are often at pains to stress the difference between cycle and motorcycle helmets) the primary component of all motorcycle helemts, in fact a motorcycle helmet is effectively simply a thicker cycle helmet, but oddly I haven't see many people saying they're useless and motorcyclists are fools to wear them.

 

Cool story bro!!! 
But to get back to the valid points made that you attempted to reply to,  rather than your obfuscations, please do link pics of you wearing helmets when driving and climbing ladders!

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wycombewheeler replied to Rendel Harris | 3 years ago
5 likes

And yet these are the majority of people prsenting to A&E with head injuries.

1) If you're coming off at 30mph you should be looking at your riding style before adding a helmet so you can be reckless

2) regardless of speed of movement the impact speed of head hitting the ground is unchanged. There will potentially be the addition of a large amount of friction while sliding, perhaps a kevlar cap rather than a helmet.

3) If your head hits something at 30mph a flimsy cycle helmet is just not going to cut it. Do you cycle in a motorbike helmet?

You just demonstrated the very common over estimation of the risks and underestimation of the efficacy of helmets.

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Rendel Harris replied to wycombewheeler | 3 years ago
0 likes

wycombewheeler wrote:

1) If you're coming off at 30mph you should be looking at your riding style before adding a helmet so you can be reckless

Typical patronising anti-helmeter comment. Do you have such a great riding style that it protects you against loose gravel, tyre blowouts, animals running into the road etc? If so then fine, perhaps you don't need a helmet. We poor fallible mortals recognise that however well and carefully we ride there is always the potential for crashing.

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joe9090 replied to Rendel Harris | 3 years ago
6 likes

Pro helmeters:

I wear a helmet so I reckon everyone else should wear helmets also.

Pragmatists:
But you would do better to wear a helmet doing other activities also then!?

Pro Helemetists:
Oh dont be silly thats ridiculous. I'll be fine. 

Its clear black and white hypocrisy. 

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Rendel Harris replied to joe9090 | 3 years ago
0 likes

Where have I said everyone should wear a helmet? I fully support the individual's right to make their own choice; that doesn't mean I have to agree with that choice.

For the avoidance of doubt, I'm debating with people on here who have properly argued points of view and are interested in debate, I'm not interested in silly needlers who just want argument, and so this is the only response you'll be getting from me.

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Simon E replied to Rendel Harris | 3 years ago
3 likes

Rendel Harris wrote:

wycombewheeler wrote:

1) If you're coming off at 30mph you should be looking at your riding style before adding a helmet so you can be reckless

Typical patronising anti-helmeter comment.

Typically patronising and ignorant pro-helmet comment.

You generally post sensible stuff but your attitude on this topic is disappointing. Please read more widely before presuming to know about a topic as contentious as this. A good place to start is the paragon of sensible and reasoned advocacy, CB:

https://chrisboardman.com/blog/index_files/e67d4b8aac0c709c5801ce466bdcd...

Also, most people that oppose helmet compulsion and disagree with some of the arguments in favour of a holey polystyrene hat are simply trying to correct decades of dubious marketing as to the real value of this item while cycling. The vast majority do not want to stop anyone who wishes to wear one, we simply do not want to be forced, coerced or pressured into wearing one ourselves every time we ride.

For the record, I own 3 cycle helmets. I use them when I (not you) deem it appropriate. That's my choice. I suspect that I have spent considerably more time than you mulling this topic, reading, researching and listening to various people over the years. That's not to say I know it all - far from it - but that my PoV is based on facts.

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Rendel Harris replied to Simon E | 3 years ago
0 likes

I'm not going to waste too much time addressing such astonishing arrogance, but I would recommend you go back over my comments and see if you find anywhere where I say helmets should be mandatory. You won't find any because I haven't and I've frequently explicitly stated that they shouldn't be. If it makes you feel clever to act as if I've said that and then claim you know far more about it than I, fill your boots.

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Simon E replied to Rendel Harris | 3 years ago
1 like

Rendel Harris wrote:

I'm not going to waste too much time addressing such astonishing arrogance, but I would recommend you go back over my comments and see if you find anywhere where I say helmets should be mandatory.

You may not be directly but you're chastising people who do not want to wear one. Opinions like yours give fuel for people wanting to pass laws, compulsion by stealth.

Have you read the Boardman article?

No I'm not feeling 'clever', you're missing the point. I've been mulling this topic over and over for 15 years. I'm betting you've not given it anywhere near that much time and effort before telling me what I should be wearing on my head.

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Rendel Harris replied to Simon E | 3 years ago
2 likes

Simon E wrote:

 

No I'm not feeling 'clever', you're missing the point. I've been mulling this topic over and over for 15 years. I'm betting you've not given it anywhere near that much time and effort before telling me what I should be wearing on my head.

I've been thinking about helmets and researching whether they are worthwhile since reading Richard Ballantine's advocacy of them in the copy of Richard's Bicycle Book I was given for my birthday in 1986. Which is rather longer than fifteen years, so don't try lording it over me on those grounds, thank you.

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Simon E replied to Rendel Harris | 3 years ago
0 likes

Rendel Harris wrote:

I've been thinking about helmets and researching whether they are worthwhile since reading Richard Ballantine's advocacy of them in the copy of Richard's Bicycle Book I was given for my birthday in 1986.

Wow, that's impressive. I definitely can't match that.

It's therefore a missed opportunity that you didn't call on that extensive knowledge to provide a more convincing case for wearing them.

Are you in favour of wearing helmets while on a ladder or walking downstairs?

Did you read the Boardman piece?

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wtjs replied to wycombewheeler | 3 years ago
1 like

If you're coming off at 30mph you should be looking at your riding style before adding a helmet so you can be reckless

A textbook A* Dim comment.

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ktache replied to wycombewheeler | 3 years ago
8 likes

I regularly call for the introduction of mandatory driving (and passenger) helmets to show the hypocrisy and idiocy of those calling for it for cycle helmets.

And no in car stereos or indeed closed windows for those saying that cycling with earphones should be banned.

I mean, if only it saves one life...

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Rendel Harris replied to ktache | 3 years ago
3 likes

ktache wrote:

I regularly call for the introduction of mandatory driving (and passenger) helmets to show the hypocrisy and idiocy of those calling for it for cycle helmets.

And no in car stereos or indeed closed windows for those saying that cycling with earphones should be banned.

I mean, if only it saves one life...

it's such a red herring though, there has been no serious intiative by any political party to introduce compulsory helmets and I'm prepared to bet my mortgage it will never happen in the UK, so why does everyone get so antsy about it? Why do people get so het up about something that will always be a matter of personal choice?

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hawkinspeter replied to Rendel Harris | 3 years ago
5 likes

Rendel Harris wrote:

ktache wrote:

I regularly call for the introduction of mandatory driving (and passenger) helmets to show the hypocrisy and idiocy of those calling for it for cycle helmets.

And no in car stereos or indeed closed windows for those saying that cycling with earphones should be banned.

I mean, if only it saves one life...

it's such a red herring though, there has been no serious intiative by any political party to introduce compulsory helmets and I'm prepared to bet my mortgage it will never happen in the UK, so why does everyone get so antsy about it? Why do people get so het up about something that will always be a matter of personal choice?

You're ignoring countries that do introduce mandatory cycle helmet laws (which inevitably reduce cycling) and there's definitely a helmet-blame culture in this country whereby not wearing a helmet (i.e. personal choice) will get you abuse from certain people. There's been plenty of cases where police will question cyclist victims of road collisions about whether they were wearing a helmet even when that is utterly irrelevant to the investigation. There's also cases of schools where the children are prohibited from cycling to and from school unless they are wearing a helmet. I've also seen many comments on this site where people have been insulted for not wearing helmets (e.g. stupid, ignoring safety etc).

That's the problem - it should be a matter of personal choice but the wearing of helmets is used as a way of marking out cyclists as an out-group and making them responsible for not getting too injured when hit by poor drivers rather than focussing on actually making roads safer.

(I'm more of a helmet-agnostic, but I do wear one whilst cycling to appease Mrs Hawkinspeter though luckily it's only been effective for low hanging branches)

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wtjs replied to wycombewheeler | 3 years ago
2 likes

Risk of falling off a bike is low
But not that low. Experienced 68 year old cyclist, Christmas Eve 2020:

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Mungecrundle replied to wtjs | 3 years ago
13 likes

Risk of falling off one's office chair is low. Experienced 52 year old chair sitter, August 15th 2018, A&E with concussion and neck pain. Funilly enough, not one person in the whole medical treatment chain asked if a helmet was being worn and they are still not mandated in the office.

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joe9090 replied to Mungecrundle | 3 years ago
3 likes

Mungecrundle wrote:

Risk of falling off one's office chair is low. Experienced 52 year old chair sitter, August 15th 2018, A&E with concussion and neck pain. Funilly enough, not one person in the whole medical treatment chain asked if a helmet was being worn and they are still not mandated in the office.

Well you must like to live dangerously then. I for one wear a seatbelt in my office chair for just this kind of possible calamity!

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wtjs replied to Mungecrundle | 3 years ago
0 likes

Risk of falling off one's office chair is low

This topic has become even more barmy since I last looked. It is bedevilled by a lack of appreciation of numbers/ probabilities, a load of pseudo-science, an absence of sense and stupendously unfunny attempts at humour. I have worn a helmet on practically every trip by bike since I asked someone to bring me one back from the US 45 or more years ago- I had seen American cyclists wearing the early ones ?Bell. I have had very few accidents, but  they happen 'out of the blue' and there is no doubt that the smashed helmet I showed below saved my brain from a worse injury even though my right shoulder and hip fortunately took a lot of the bash. As it was I suffered some degree of pre and post traumatic amnesia.

Penalty from wearing a helmet : Zero for almost all of us almost all of the time. It even provides a handy place to hang a waterproof cover.

Benefit from wearing a helmet: could be massive. Conclusion: obvious. I don't think there are any serious proposals to make helmet wearing compulsory, or to make an absence of a helmet 'contributory negligence'- although there probably some judge or coroner daft comments out there. I have no intention of criticising Boardman for not wearing a helmet on some of his public outings. I think most people who don't wear a helmet for most of their cycling hours are barmy. Most of them will get away with it, but I'm hoping to avoid joining those who don't.

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Crazyhorse replied to wycombewheeler | 3 years ago
1 like

I was deliberately knocked off my bike and my cycle helmet was cracked right through. That would have been my cranium without it, and I do not think I would have got up from that (to be assaulted by the driver!)

The risk of falling off a bike is low, as is the risk of crashing a car - but I always wear a seatbelt. The risk of death when playing Russian roulette is (relatively) low, but I would still not be keen to play - even if the barrel could accomodate 100 bullets.

If others do not want to wear a helmet, that is their choice. I've not heard any serious calls for compulsion.

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Sriracha replied to Crazyhorse | 3 years ago
3 likes
Crazyhorse wrote:

I was deliberately knocked off my bike and my cycle helmet was cracked right through. That would have been my cranium without it,...

Sorry to hear that and glad you came through OK. But a helmet that cracked right through is a helmet that failed to protect you. Helmets work through the action of the EPS being irreversibly crushed. This lengthens the distance through which the head is brought to a halt, thereby reducing the deceleration of the head and the brain within. A helmet that simply breaks apart on impact has done very little - other factors not to do with the helmet likely saved your bacon.

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