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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…
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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…
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Confusing helmets with polystyrene hats
Why are these two devices given the same name? This device protects in a serious accident This device crumbles in a serious accident Imagine a drug manufacturer introduces a new medicine it calls new aspirin. Yet the new aspirin is only 1% as effective as current aspirin. There would be an outcry. It is misleading to give the same name…
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Meanwhile, the bureaucrats commission another “study”
Abstract The failure of the bike share scheme in Brisbane led to calls to exempt it from the helmet law. The government response was to commission a study to defend its controversial legislation. Bureaucrats even edited the “study” in favor of the legislation. Such “research” should not be misrepresented as science. blank A strange “study” The…
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Official misrepresentation of Australia’s bicycle helmet law
Abstract The helmet law has failed to achieve its stated goal of reducing the cost of cycling injuries. Several government agencies have obfuscated this disappointing result through misrepresentation. The information below is an extract from CRAG submission to the Prime Minister in 2009. Following this submission, the federal government abandoned its policy of supporting compulsory bicycle helmets. blank Federal…
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The myth that cycling is dangerous
You’ve heard it again and again: “Cycling is dangerous” When we keep hearing the same statement again and again, we end up believing it. This is a well-known manipulation technique, mentioned by Daniel Kanheman in his acclaimed book “Thinking fast and slow“: “A reliable way to make people believe in falsehoods is frequent repetition, because…