News
Danish Bike Helmet Law Defeated
Bike helmets represent perhaps the highest volume of religious cycling discussion, enough so that parody sites have been erected in their honor. Helmet debate spans the globe as is evidenced by the fact that the Danish Socialist People’s Party introduced compulsory helmet legislation which was then defeated in parliament.
The Copenhagenize blog provided commentary on this measure along with what they contend is the flawed logic behind the helmet crusade.
It still boggles the mind how The Socialist People’s Party didn’t bother to do their research. It’s rare to see laws proposed on such a fantastically thin background. The backbone of their proposal was rhetoric and fearmongering. And this from a party that claims to work for increased cycling in Denmark.
Copenhagenize also calls into contention the idea that helmet use promotes cycling, instead showing evidence that the opposite is true.
The Danish Minister of Transport, together with the Ministers of Transport for all the EU countries [The European Council of Ministers of Transport], published a report in 2004 [National Policies to Encourage Cycling] wherein it says, among other things, that:
“…from the point of view of restrictiveness, even the official promotion of helmets may have negative consequences for bicycle use, and that to prevent helmets having a negative effect on the use of bicycles, the best approach is to leave the promotion of helmet wear to manufacturers and shopkeepers.
The report entitled ‘Head Injuries and Helmet Law for Cyclists’ by Dorothy L. Robinson, Bicycle Research report No. 81 (March 1997) shows that the main effect of the introduction of the general helmet law for cyclists in Australia was a drop in bicycle use.”
The balance presented here is one of perceived or actual safety versus the number of active cyclists. If forcing helmet use decreases the number of cyclists, is that requirement actually beneficial? Just a short while ago, we posted a press release stating that helmet use by children could prevent 90,000 head, face, and scalp injuries, but fails to detail the severity of the injuries that typically occur. Would it be worth it to reduce ridership while also reducing injuries or is it better to increase the number of riders while letting people determine their own level of risk aversion?
Australian cyclists not above the law
Australia is cracking down on scofflaw cyclists by introducing new legislation that increases penalties for behavior that violates traffic laws and/or results in property damage or personal injury.
So what are Australian cyclists in for when in violation?
- $284 or seven days’ prison if property is damaged by a cyclist and the rider does not immediately stop and offer assistance
- $13,610 or prison for 12 months, or both, for dangerous riding
- $681 for careless riding
- $68,052 or five years in prison if a person is killed or seriously injured by a cyclist and the rider does not immediately stop and offer assistance
Jail threat for dangerous cyclists Clay Lucas
June 18, 2009
Cyclists found to have killed or seriously injured a pedestrian will face penalties of up to five years in jail or a $68,000 fine, after tough new laws came into effect today.
“Cyclists need to recognise that, if they do occasion damage, they have responsibilities. They do need to stop,” said Roads Minister Tim Pallas said, launching the new laws this morning at a Bourke Street bicycle shop.
The new penalties, he said, would help police tackle reckless riding by cyclists, and reduce the likelihood of pedestrians, other cyclists or drivers suffering serious injury.
“We’re driving home to cyclists the need for them to obey road laws or be punished,” he said.
Cyclists would now be on a similar footing to motorists if they are charged with serious traffic offences, he said.
“Cycling is becoming a legitimate form of transport,” Mr Pallas said.
“But (with the recognition) that this is an important means of transport comes increased responsibility. This Government will come down hard on bad behaviour because there is a real consequence.”
Over the last decade, two pedestrians have been killed by cyclists.
James Gould, 77, was killed in Mentone in 2006 by a cyclist on the controversial Hell Ride.
Another pedestrian died in 2000 when she was hit by a cyclist running a red light.
The Brumby Government was spurred into action after cyclist William Raisin-Shaw was fined just $400 for colliding with Mr Gould.
The new maximum penalties under the laws, which come into force today, include:
* $284 or seven days’ prison if property is damaged by a cyclist and the rider does not immediately stop and offer assistance
* $13,610 or prison for 12 months, or both, for dangerous riding
* $681 for careless riding
* $68,052 or five years in prison if a person is killed or seriously injured by a cyclist and the rider does not immediately stop and offer assistance
Under previous bicycle laws, cyclists could only be fined up to $567 for riding in a dangerous, careless or reckless manner.
All penalties are effective today, except those for the new careless riding law, which will come into force later this year.
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