Garry makes the case for cycle helmets…
One morning I received a call from my wife saying she had fallen off her bike and could I come and collect her and take her to her meeting. I drove around to Edgeware following an ambulance and thought “I think this might be for Pam”. I was 100% correct. A guy had stopped to get a pie at Peter Timbs and had opened his car door, and Pam had ridden right into it. She had no memory of ringing me, but her helmet, split from end to end, had saved her from brain damage. 4 months later she was well enough to return to work.
It distresses me to see so many people riding without helmets these days. Helmets make sense and those riding without them don’t.
When I read of the Associate Prime Minister calling for a review of cycle helmets I couldn’t believe it. Then I thought, well he is stupid on most things so why stop with health issues? Here’s the article Exclusive: David Seymour asked Ministry for Regulation to look into removing bike helmet requirements – NZ Herald
Rosemary writes a response…
I get it Garry, and I almost always have one on – with lights. However….
I see people riding without helmets, and I think – great – at least they are having a go.
- New Zealand: Following the introduction of a mandatory helmet law, there was a substantial drop in cycling, with estimates suggesting a reduction of around 22%. Cycling by children, in particular, suffered a significant decline.
I’m with Garry on this. Cycle accidents happen no matter how great and extensive the infrastructure – and they often happen without another vehicle being involved.
Most people recover from physical injuries, and if left with disabilities and pain it is soooo much better than living with a brain injury..
If there is any relaxation in the law, IMO mandatory helmets for children should remain.
Adults who choose not to wear a helmet are candidates for the Darwin awards. .
Separated cycleways are great for reducing accidents , but unless our deputy PM can guarantee them for every cyclist & every destination, helmets are a no-brainer! My worst cycling accident was on the north railway line cycleway when distracted by something very odd on the tracks, I clipped a pedal on the removable* metal post that was supposed to stop cars entering. I wrote my helmet off hitting the asphalt. Like it or not, every trip is a mix of cycleway and regular road.
(* No longer extant according to Apple Maps)
I couldn’t agree more with you Garry! Thank you for those clear statistics. I would value having the source if I am going be include them in a submission but they certainly ring true.
The last thing that our struggling health needs is an increased number of severe head injuries with the time spent in ICU and then the expense in many cases of long term follow up . How crazy can this Government get?
Riding without a helmet is just plain dumb, be it a bike, motorbike, electric scooter, whatever. I have been knocked off a motorbike twice by somebody changing lanes directly in front of me without signaling. My helmet saved me. When riding my electric bike, I now wear a full (push-) bike helmet. As for idiots in cars who open their doors without looking, it makes me furious when I see it…..which is regularly. Chrissie Williams nearly got killed by the Cretin who did that to her, and yes of course we all know who that was!! Will the Govt bring in the Scandinavian law requiring one’s left/arm hand to open the drivers door….fat chance given how useless all parties about the many other easy fixes in this country!!
If you’re not gonna post this then call me & man-up for a blast including my views on electric scooters on footpaths!! But what the hell, I’m just a grumpy old man.
Mike Stockwell, 022 566 7652