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Category: Helmet Law

  • Why did the injury rate triple after the helmet law?

    Abstract In a startling revelation, the injury rate has surged threefold in the wake of the helmet law’s implementation. Instead of enhancing safety, helmets have paradoxically intensified the danger associated with cycling by elevating the risk of accidents. Adorning a bicycle helmet certainly instills a sense of safety and protection. However, it’s essential to recognize…

  • History of helmet law in Australia

    Abstract The introduction of compulsory bicycle helmets in Australia was driven by a belief held by doctors and pushed through by politicians without concrete evidence. While this move seemed well-intentioned, it ultimately disregarded potential side-effects and valuable research. Government findings even cautioned against soft-shell helmets due to the risk of brain injury, suggesting an upgrade…

  • Fighting a helmet fine in the Victorian courts

    Abstract In March 2013, Alan Todd, a steadfast advocate for  Freestyle Cyclists, boldly took on the challenge of contesting a helmet fine in the Australian state of Victoria. His unwavering commitment to this cause led to a surprising outcome – he was granted a good behavior bond. The following account presents his firsthand perspective on…

  • Challenging a helmet fine through the courts

    Abstract The defense of necessity provides a legal avenue for individuals to bypass certain laws when doing so is crucial to prevent even graver consequences. The evidence suggests that bicycle helmets, in some cases, heighten the risk of accidents and can lead to brain injuries. To avert such dire consequences, cyclists are empowered to make…

  • Has the helmet law improved safety?

    Abstract After the helmet law, the risk of accidents doubled. The risk of death & serious injury for child cyclists increased by 50%. Wearing a helmet can make us feel safer. However feeling safe is different than being safe blank A noticeable impact of the helmet law has been to reduce cycling.  Almost half stopped cycling,…

  • When the worst in the world try to lecture the rest

    Abstract Despite having one of the worst track record, Australians academics try to lecture the world about cycling safety. This may seem odd. Yet it fits with the Australian government agenda of obfuscating the disappointing results of its controversial bicycle helmet law. This is not about cycling safety. It is about defending government policy. An…

  • How to escape bicycle helmet fines in Australia

    Nerendra Jeet Singh, a Sikh, went to court in New South Wales (NSW), Australia over a bicycle helmet fine. He escaped the fine, arguing that his identity and religion are of prime importance. In Queensland, Jasdeep Atwal challenged a helmet fine in court. The Sikh community has led Queensland to reform the helmet law to add a religious exemption.…

  • Helmet fanatics misleading tricks exposed at senate inquiry

    The Australian federal government senate inquiry on personal choice terms of reference include: “bicycle helmet laws, including any impact on the health, enjoyment and finances of cyclists and non-cyclists;” Most submissions to the inquiry requested a review of the bicycle helmet law. The senate inquiry held hearings on the bicycle helmet law on the 16th of November…

  • Another attempt to introduce a helmet law defeated

    A proposal to introduce a helmet law is California was withdrawn following opposition from cycling groups. A petition from the California Bicycle Coalition mentioned: “there are proven ways to make our streets safer while encouraging bicycling — reducing speed limits on key streets, building protected bike lanes and bike paths, and educating motorists and bicyclists on…

  • German study concludes that a bicycle helmet law is a waste of resource

    Bicycle helmet laws are motivated by a desire to improve safety. Yet when they have been implemented, the main result has been to reduce cycling. This imposes healths costs by reducing the health benefits of cycling. Are the benefits worth the costs? An Australian study concluded a helmet law may provide a small benefit under extreme assumptions. A new study attempts to…