Comments on: Bike Law University: Helmet Mandate Laws Thornier Than They Seem

By: Ken

Ken — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 15:16:49 +0000

We have updated our charts for both helmet laws and safe passing laws to include all 50 states, and the District of Columbia. My apologies for the oversight.

By: Walter Dorman

Walter Dorman — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 13:43:45 +0000

It would be nice to see ALL 50 STATES listed in the chart for both helmet laws and safe passing laws.

By: JimTitus

JimTitus — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 12:52:42 +0000

Is there any reported case in the nation where recovery of damages was reduced for failure to wear a helmet? The defendant driver has the burden of proving the facts for that defense and, given the research, that seems to be almost impossible to do in a specific case.

By: JimTitus

JimTitus — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 12:45:46 +0000

@Ken: This post is a usefull clarification, but the February 7 Washington Post cites the League’s position on helmets as consistent with the argument that cyclists should all be supporting mandatory helmet bills.

Any chance you could write the Washington Post to clarify your opposition to mandatory helmet bills?

By: Robert Roberts

Robert Roberts — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 05:06:33 +0000

While Washington State does not have a state wide helmet law over 95% of the population is covered by local helmet laws.

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/bike/helmets.htm

By: Colin Clarke

Colin Clarke — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 21:20:32 +0000

Adding a few figures to my comments.
A selection of USA data,
cyclist v pedestrian deaths, percentage cycl v ped.
Average 86-90, 898 v 6686, 13.4%
Average 04-8, 740 v 4688, 15.7%

For pedestrians they had on average a 30% reduction, 6686 down to 4688. For cyclists to follow the same improvement they would have to average 629, whereas they actually averaged 740, or 17.6% higher than the trend.

Twenty-four percent of bicyclists killed in 2006 had blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) at or above 0.08 percent. This percentage is one-third higher than in 1982. Sixty-one percent of bicyclist deaths in 2008 occurred on major roads other than interstates and freeways, and 35 percent occurred on minor roads.

Data from ‘2007 Youth Participation in Selected Sports with Comparisons to 1998’ provides an indication of reduced cycling activity of approximately 17% to 30%.

Cyclist fatalities 0-15 year age group
1991 fatals – 2007 fatals – %reduction
Helmet law states -157 – 57 – 65.7%
Non-helmet law states – 150 – 50 – 66.7%

Surveys from Melbourne showed 30 more teenagers wearing helmets but 623 fewer cycling after their helmet law. Curnow concluded that “Compulsion to wear a bicycle helmet is detrimental to public health”. For the USA in 2006, for each cyclist death there are approximately 120,000 obese people and 46,000 with diabetes.

If the health and safety aspects are considered in detail then helmet laws do not provide a benefit.

By: Colin Clarke

Colin Clarke — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 20:52:09 +0000

Last year my report ‘Evaluation of New Zealand’s bicycle helmet law’ provides data that may be of interest.

The Netherlands has the right approach with making good provision for cycling, a low drink drive limit, suitable speed limits and cyclists who generally ride in a safe manner. This is the example to follow. Helmet laws are a serious mistake.

I found cycling out of Chicago to be testing, too busy with cars too close. A minimum passing clearance, penalties for opening car doors that cause accidents, junction provision with improved lighting and safe crossing for cyclists. Accident avoidance taking the focus.

By: Andrew J Besold LCI#2682

Andrew J Besold LCI#2682 — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 17:25:00 +0000

As far as I’m concerned, riding a bicycle in a relaxed, slow (<15mph), casual manner (common in places like the Netherlands and Denmark), in compliance with the law, is exceptionally safe. For example, in the Netherlands and Denmark, helmet use is sporadic at best yet bicyclists fatalities are very low. I feel that what makes cycling in exactly the same manner dangerous here in the US is ever-present motor vehicle traffic driven by careless and reckless American drivers and the lack of site appropriate bicycle amenities.

I don't know exact figures but after reading hundreds of news articles regarding bicyclist fatalities, I feel very comfortable in saying that 90% to 95% of all bicyclist killed in the USA are killed in collisions with cars. In a majority of these cases, the cyclists suffered severe abdominal and/or brain injuries that a bicycle helmet could never prevent.

I only know of two cases in New Jersey where the cyclist was killed in a crash NOT involving an automobile and in one of those cases I know the cyclist was wearing a helmet and it is very likely that a helmet was worn in the other.

In conclusion, I will always recommend that a cyclist wear a helmet but they are far from the safety panacea that some lawmakers believe. Since most bicyclists are killed by automobile drivers, I feel that existence of a bicycle helmet law can end up blaming the victim. I contend that bicycling in itself, in the absence of car traffic, is exception safe. Wearing a helmet does add an element of safety but it is not as great as some believe.

By: Two years for a fatal SD hit-and-run, and kneejerk NIMBYism rises in opposition to Westwood bike lanes « BikingInLA

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 08:40:59 +0000

[...] middle; I personally recommend wearing a helmet for every ride, but it is — and should be — your choice. New helmets will have built-in cameras. A 17-year old UK cyclist admits to killing a renowned [...]

By: Frank Krygowski

Frank Krygowski — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 05:29:24 +0000

“I do worry that efforts by advocates and politicians to make cycling universal might go hand in glove with specialized facilities and protectionist laws.”

Exactly! And I’m especially worried about laws mandating use of weird facilities. Our rights to the road must be paramount.

- Frank Krygowski