Bike riders wear helmets and high-vis vests to reduce their vulnerability on the road. Problem is a new study finds this dehumanises cyclists, putting them more at risk of aggression from drivers.
That’s quite true. And they get it because enough people are cycling that there is demand for it. Mandatory helmets laws actually discourage cycling. The data on that is clear. The data on whether mandatory helmets laws increase safety is much less clear, however.
When it’s a matter of public policy, one should consider both these factors… A clear cost for an unclear benefit, and change policy as our knowledge continues to evolve.
Places without helmets tend to have a better cycling culture and infrastructure
That’s quite true. And they get it because enough people are cycling that there is demand for it. Mandatory helmets laws actually discourage cycling. The data on that is clear. The data on whether mandatory helmets laws increase safety is much less clear, however.
When it’s a matter of public policy, one should consider both these factors… A clear cost for an unclear benefit, and change policy as our knowledge continues to evolve.