Why do so few people cycle for transport in Australia? 6 ideas on how to reap all the benefits of bikes
Why do so few people cycle for transport in Australia? 6 ideas on how to reap all the benefits of bikes
We want healthy, liveable cities and to cut emissions to net zero. Getting more people to use bicycles instead of cars will go a long way towards achieving these goals.
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In many countries with high numbers of cyclers an adult can jump on a bike and cycle along the footpath without a helmet. In Australia you can be fined over $400!
A problem, for sure, and the evidence tells us it's a bad idea.
But the evidence also seems fuzzy enough that it seems very unlikely that this is the primary problem with cycling in this country.
Helmets are great though. Too many people end up with cracked open skulls just from falling over at slow speeds.
No you're absolutely right. On an individual level, it always makes sense to wear a helmet. I'll always see someone without a helmet, whatever the context, and think they're a fucking idiot.
Yes, even in the Netherlands.
But individual decisions are not the same as public health policy. And from a public health perspective, mandatory helmets are a net negative.