Helmets are being discussed in the House of Lords again, but at least the response is pretty sane. I should say I *do* wear a helmet most of the time, but there's no real evidence that this will help me in anything other than the type of event where I stop pedalling, forget to put my feet down and then continue to grip my handlebars and land directly on my head. But, it does help keep my hair less frizzy on my cycle to work.
Lord Laird asks: "...why, given that helmets can reduce the chances of death and serious injury, they will not make the wearing of helmets mandatory"
Earl Attlee replies: "We have no plans to mandate the use of cycle helmets. Helmets offer cyclists protection in a limited number of circumstances and, as such, whilst we encourage their use through the Highway Code we believe the decision on whether to wear a helmet should remain a matter of individual choice. In addition, mandating the use of helmets could lead to a reduction in overall cycling levels, resulting in the loss of the significant health benefits derived from cycling."
In my humble opinion, absolutely bob-on the money, Lord Sir Rear-Admiral Count Attlee!
Unfortunately it's often actually how these questions are asked is the problem; "...given that helmets can reduce the chances of death..." is pretty speculative and rather emotive. In fact we could also ask "...given that helmets provide the ability to levitate..." cos my mate Dave reckoned he wore a helmet after a rather prolonged Buckfast-drinking session and swore he levitated!
Anyway, I digress in a rather odd direction, but I honestly don't think helmets being mandatory will actually help in any measurable way. If you're hit by a car then a helmet is next to useless as it offers absolutely no 'crumpling' and simply transfers the impact 'straight to your membraine'. It feels like another of those instances of people wanting everybody else to follow rules just because they have to. If I can't park my Bentley outside Harvey Nicks, you're sure as hell going to have to wear a helmet...I'm a lord you know!