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The point is to make cycling the norm. Adding items you need to wear or have (you could mandate a cycling license for instance) increases the barrier to entry a
by brnt 7y ago
The point is to make cycling the norm. Adding items you need to wear or have (you could mandate a cycling license for instance) increases the barrier to entry and thus use. Moreover, helmets protect only for certain accidents, accidents which are some of the most uncommon.
The danger comes mostly from bad infra design and other heavier traffic (cars). Those can be addressed separately, and it turns out pretty well. Leading causes of bike-accidents are now cyclists being distracted by their phones and skipping red lights (common especially in large cities). Public awareness campaigns are addressing the former, law enforcement the latter.
You're right, strictly speaking wearing helmets is safer, and you are free to do so. But then again, 4 point safety belts in cars too (but we don't), driving slower (but we don't), not calling while driving/cycling (but we do) and so on. There's a balance between safety, practicality and getting people to their destinations, it seems helmets are simply far less impactful than other measures.
- chapium 7y agoCalling while cycling or driving are not equivalents. A vehicle is much more massive than a bike and to use a phone while accelerating is far more negligent. The chances of a cyclist accident harming someone other than themselves while on a phone are far lower than distracted driving accident.
- brnt 7y agoSure, but 'phone-use' while cycling (thanks ;)) is the number two reason bikes cause lethal accidents for themselves or other bicycles, i.e. it's a big deal. Source (in Dutch): https://www.volkskrant.nl/nieuws-achtergrond/fietsers-voor-het-eerst-bovenaan-bij-dodelijke-verkeersongevallen~b50c00f8/ https://www.volkskrant.nl/nieuws-achtergrond/fietsers-voor-h...
- deleted 7y ago[deleted]
- Freak_NL 7y agoThankfully, using a smartphone while riding a bicycle is now illegal in the Netherlands (since this summer), but it will take a long time for people to stop regarding using their smartphone whatever they are doing as normal.
- brnt 7y agoIs it illegal on a national level? I see people do it here in Amsterdam still on a daily basis.
- chapium 7y agoI can't deny that both activities are bad.