Sunday 1 December 2013

Article: The Australian: "Queensland ponders relaxing cycle helmet laws"

Queensland ponders relaxing cycle helmet laws

An interesting article from a country that has compulsive helmet wearing for cyclists.

A committee has told the state government there's insufficient evidence about safety benefits to justify the current law requiring riders to always wear helmets.

The committee was formed to advise on the competing interests of cyclists and motorists.

Its report, tabled in parliament today, says helmet use should be encouraged.

But it says evidence from around the world about safety outcomes doesn't justify all riders of all ages having to wear helmets “regardless of the situational risk”.

I'm sure most cyclists would agree with points in this report. The suggestion is those over 16 should be allowed to make their own choice but only on safe roads (under 60km/hr) or off-road.
When I was in Queensland myself, back in 2007, I was lucky enough the place I was staying could provide bike helmets as well as bicycles. Apparently hire schemes (such as the one in Brisbane) require you to have your own helmet, and this is given as a reason why the scheme may not have taken off.