IainGil
newbie
Reged: 13/06/2009
Posts: 46
Loc: Scotland
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Heard a couple of stories about trying to get helmets compulsory and also the cops speed gunning riders (although they can't do anything if you don't have a speedo)
What do we think, restricting our freedom or reigning in the nutters?
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Go Hard or Go Home...Ride On...
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185nick
addict
Reged: 09/08/2007
Posts: 427
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The other day I heard that police were discussing making helmets a legal requirement on the road, but decided not to go for it as they are worried that many people would rather not go cycling then wear a lid. I agree with this, I reckon you would end up seeing a lot more cars on the road. I do think though that the money they save not bringing in the law should be spent on an awareness campaign. They should copy the hard hitting seat belt, drink driving and mobile ads.
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fredmundo
Carpal \'Tunnel
Reged: 30/06/2008
Posts: 2629
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I saw the speed gun thing in the metro. It was on a promanade with a 10mph speed limit. When I first saw it I as ready to jump on my high horse, but then realized that as it was a shared right of way next to the beach ( propably a light dusting of sand to reduce traction), and people were not getting prosecuted etc. I decided that although maybe I didn't really agree it could stop a small child from getting hit by a cyclist, then it wasn't so bad.
I agree with the idea of raising awareness over passing a law. There are already enough laws that are totally ignored (by civilians and police alike), it's a bit of a waste of cash to introduce another.
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"Duct tape is like the force: It has a dark side and a light side and it holds the universe together."- Carl Zwanzig
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AndyWaterman
enthusiast
Reged: 30/11/2006
Posts: 228
Loc: Croydon UK
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Go to Holland, Belgium, Denmark etc and they all ride bikes, and no-one wears a helmet.
The problem with cycling in this country is that it's seen as an athletic pursuit, which needs special equipment, rather than a totally mundane, everyday means of getting from A to B.
Obviously, going road riding for fitness or mountain biking for fun are somewhat athletic pursuits, and special equipment is required, but for riding to the corner shop to pick up a pint of milk? Well, I never bother with a helmet for that.
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fredmundo
Carpal \'Tunnel
Reged: 30/06/2008
Posts: 2629
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Most/a lot of european countries as I understand it assume that the motorist is in the wrong if they have a ding with a bike... I think that if the law changed to resemble something like that here then you might find that more people would feel comfortable on the roads due to more careful motorists, and I'd also think that the need for a helmet would be reduced somewhat.
When my military coup in the this country comes to fruition and installed me as this countires dictator...erm I mean noble leader... I'll make all motorists ride a bike on busy city roads for a minimum of about 3months before anyone is allowed to get in a car.
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"Duct tape is like the force: It has a dark side and a light side and it holds the universe together."- Carl Zwanzig
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MTBLeague
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 23/05/2007
Posts: 1647
Loc: Moving again.
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Oh, our freedoms have never been so restricted, but on the other hand, our freedom to admit a mistake and to say sorry have also been eroded by the thought that someone is scheming to make you pay for everything, be it blatant scammers or a slight exaggeration on an insurance claim form.
Though I would like to see someone try to claim for a whiplash injury when a bike ran into the back of them through breaking for no apparently good reason.
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The path of least resistance is easier to follow............ When you can see it.... .............
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lien389
stranger
Reged: 31/05/2009
Posts: 1
Loc: plymouth devon
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even say them doing patrols on mountain bikes in plymouth
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DISGreece
veteran
Reged: 26/01/2009
Posts: 1261
Loc: Greece
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If the revenue raised from the fines was to be spent solely on NHS medical treatment for those injured in road accidents, then I would fully support this idea.
Til then... it's everyone's responsibility to watch out for his own head.
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Ride hard but avoid the hikers 
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greeneye
Carpal \'Tunnel
Reged: 19/04/2008
Posts: 4418
Loc: occupation: unemployed!!
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Quote:
Go to Holland, Belgium, Denmark etc and they all ride bikes, and no-one wears a helmet.
The problem with cycling in this country is that it's seen as an athletic pursuit, which needs special equipment, rather than a totally mundane, everyday means of getting from A to B.
Obviously, going road riding for fitness or mountain biking for fun are somewhat athletic pursuits, and special equipment is required, but for riding to the corner shop to pick up a pint of milk? Well, I never bother with a helmet for that.
petty much my view, except riding to the shops to pick up a pint of milk, round here you will go to the shops on your bike and walk back with a pint of milk 
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ONE LIFE....LIVE IT!!
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