Cyclists wanting to get rid of compulsory helmet wearing

[Big Dave]

After reading all this I'm going to ride down to the shops without it shortly - just to piss the authority who thinks it's necessary to protect me from myself (or panics about their ACC levy).
I'll let you know if I survive. The exercise might even cost the community less if the it stops me having an early heart attack. Although as I do carry comprehensive private health insurance, I doubt it.
Oh PS - My advice is if you are a kultz like devil's boss - wear the hat.

Mwahahahaahahahahah! <- Maniacal Vincent Price laugh.

PPS - the Minnesota way - carry your own insurance and you can make you own decisions about helmets - rely on community medical and it's compulsory - seems like a good way to me.

[jim.cox]

There was a very good editorial in Two Wheels last year pointing out that injuries to pedestrians are a significant cost.

It suggested that helmets and airbags be made compulsary for them too

[onearmedbandit]

After reading all this I'm going to ride down to the shops without it shortly - just to piss the people who think it's necessary to protect me from myself or panic about their ACC levy.
I'll let you know if I survive.
Mwahahahaahahahahah! <- Vincent Price laugh.

I take it you are against the motorcycle helmet law as well.

I trust myself that when I ride my motorcycle over to my friends house that I'm not going to do anything stupid or reckless to cause me to fall off. Therefore I don't need protecting from myself either. However that car that suddenly changed into my lane knocking me into oncoming traffic, yeah I need protecting from that. Helmet law or none, I'll wear mine thanks.

[awayatc]

Sheeple can do as they are told

people can think for themselves

[Big Dave]

Damn - tyres are flat and jnr has the pump in his car.

I'll walk to the shops while I can still do that without compulsory hi-viz clothing.

[Big Dave]

I take it you are against the motorcycle helmet law as well.

I trust myself that when I ride my motorcycle over to my friends house that I'm not going to do anything stupid or reckless to cause me to fall off. Therefore I don't need protecting from myself either. However that car that suddenly changed into my lane knocking me into oncoming traffic, yeah I need protecting from that. Helmet law or none, I'll wear mine thanks.

I PPS'd an answer/corrections.

Done to death. Most of the time I'd wear a helmet - sometimes I wouldn't.
I'm not free to make that decision anyway so it doesn't matter.

[Big Dave]

A more sensible question might be (sans maniacal laugh).

How do you reconcile NZ's Adventure/extreme/high risk tourism promotions with the 'risk must be mitigated' doctrine?

[Jonathan]

A more sensible question might be (sans maniacal laugh).

How do you reconcile NZ's Adventure/extreme/high risk tourism promotions with the 'risk must be mitigated' doctrine?

In other words, when are we going to stop wasting money on enquiries every time a tourist dies doing something dangerous for fun?

[Genie]

In other words, when are we going to stop wasting money on enquiries every time a tourist dies doing something dangerous for fun?

aha....yes and that is a whole other topic. But you are so right....and what happens when it all goes wrong..the operator is held accountable. Oh I get they do have a certain responsibilty but should I wish to jump out of an areoplane it is my responsibility the same with jumping off a bridge, racing down a river whatever...I am responsible for me. Should I wish to pay someone to scare the shit out of me and I die...not their "fault"...hmmmmmmm

[yachtie10]

There was a very good editorial in Two Wheels last year pointing out that injuries to pedestrians are a significant cost.

It suggested that helmets and airbags be made compulsary for them too

exactly
My thought was why not makle one piece leathers compulsory if crossing a road (lower standard if just using sidewalk) as it will save a life

BTW its not about weather you should wear a helmet its weather some cop in a bad mood will give me a ticket for riding my bike 100 metres back to my garage (in a culdesac) and yes I have seen this happen

[Neshi]

As there are no real cyclelanes in the city and there are cyclelanes on the motorway (where cars are riding 100!) I guess a helmet is a good idea.
However, isn't it up to people to think for themselves and let them wear a helmet if they want to?
If they do not and get into an accident, don't pay them any ACC or a reduced amount.

[imdying]

However, isn't it up to people to think for themselves

Yup, but there's the crux of the problem, people don't, and perhaps some can't (children?).

[The Pastor]

I agree, get rid of helmets. Same for motorbikes!

[yachtie10]

I do think it should be compulsory for children mainly because peer pressure will stop them being worn

adults should be able to make there own decison

[Big Dave]

As there are no real cyclelanes in the city and there are cyclelanes on the motorway (where cars are riding 100!) I guess a helmet is a good idea.

Indeed.

Conversely dawdling a treadly down to the shops on an empty avenue is far less dangerous than legally lane splitting on Newmarket overpass in all the gear at peak hour.

Like several of the old schoolers here - I had a motorcycle for 15 years before I got my first crash helmet and rode a push bike for 40 years without one - any brain damage is not due to that!

The argument is essentially a libertarian one and how much the loss of the right to choose sticks in your craw - against the arguments for the 'common' good.