Compulsory cycle helmets here in Jersey.

[majoreyeswater]

Hi folks.

I just wanted to gauge your opinions on the subject of compulsory cycle helmets.

Here in Jersey the authorities are set to introduce a law making cycle helmets compulsory for riders under the age of 18. The first of its kind in Britain I believe. Please bear in mind that although part of the British Isles, we are not part of the UK and are self-governing. These laws will only be enforce here and not on mainland UK!

Is this at all necessary ? Is there any sound evidence to suggest that wearing helmets on bikes reduces cycling fatalities or serious injury ? I suggest that should this law be seen to be successful then UK legislators may use us in Jersey as an example and introduce a similar law, who knows!

I have, since taking up mountain biking in the 90s, always worn a good quality lid regardless. My two kids always wear theirs as does my wife. But, I do not personally believe in compulsion, rather, good solid education on the dangers of not wearing head protection. I am of the opinion that parents should always set an example and it annoys me to see families out for a ride with the kids wearing their helmets but mum & dad without.

What are your views ? Do you, as a widespread bunch of cyclists, have differing national views ? I'm curious to find out !

Cheers folks.

 

[BerthaPog]

I'm in the pro-choice camp. Generally I think they are a good thing, but utterly against making it a legal requirement to wear one.

Ignoring the "benefits" of wearing one vs not (that's an argument that will run longer than the Word Association thread), two questions to ask:

1. Who is going to ensure that this law will be enforced/who will it be enforced by? If it's the police, will there be additional resources or will some other law be "ignored"?
2. What are the penalties, and who is responsible for paying/serving the penalty(we are talking about an offense for the under 18s only)?

Probably more than two questions really but you get the drift.

 

[majoreyeswater]

I get the distinct impression that, like many other laws governing cycling (riding on pavements, against one-way systems, jumping red lights) the police are going to be very hard pressed to enforce any new laws. The logistics are difficult.

Are they going to station themselves near to schools at home time and hassle the kids ? Could be a very delicate problem. Also, will parents/guardians be prosecuted and hauled before the beak ? The whole situation could become a minefield for already pretty busy police forces !

 

[Steve Kish]

Freedom of choice, as you say. I choose to wear one both on (mostly) and off road (always) but for road users classed almost as pedestrians, seems a bit Draconian to me.

 

[tintin40]

Saw this on the BBC news. bad idea. If it comes here make it after i'm dead or to old to care.

 

[lumos2000]

soon they will outlaw freedom and only the criminals will be free.
i hate being told what to do so will naturally rebel, which would keep me fit from being chased all over town by mr plod
it should be freedom of choice if im flying a rocky down hill it would probley be a good idea to use one, but if im just popping out to the shops then i wouldent want the inconvience

 

[Easy_Rider]

Saw this on the BBC news. bad idea. If it comes here make it after i'm dead or to old to care.

This is for under 18's though, so in a way a good idea although i am pro choice, kids really should be wearing them anyway. It's perfectly enforcable, happens on motorbikes does it not?

 

[tintin40]

Saw this on the BBC news. bad idea. If it comes here make it after i'm dead or to old to care.

This is for under 18's though, so in a way a good idea although i am pro choice, kids really should be wearing them anyway. It's perfectly enforcable, happens on motorbikes does it not?

I missed that bit of the news programe. That is a good idea.Start them young. To late for me i'm a lost cause

 

[dyna-ti]

Offroad -Yes
Racing-Yes
Pottering about the streets where its likely blunt force trauma will get you-if you honestly think its going to save you from chest crushing injuries from other taxi and bus sized road users,then whatever floats your boat

 

[jonah]

Interesting. I wear one when cycling on road, but not off road - probably just as much chance of damage in either scenario thinking about it!

I don't think it should become law but rather be promoted as the right thing to do.