Ok, it's coming eventually so best be prepared.
Should it be too hot, or we just want to be difficult, what would be the
best way of avoiding a helmet law?
The obvious one is don't get caught. Do we have to stop when ordered to
do so by a community warden? Are we allowed to ride away if we've
already stopped? Is it illegal not to stop when requested by a policeman
on foot?
If stopped, is it illegal to give false details to a community warden? I
presume giving a false name or address to a policeman would be naughty.
Do motorbike trikers have to wear helmets? If not, it would be logical
for bicycle trikes to be immune. A small third wheel on the bike might
do the trick. I can see hardcore roadies with a tiny carbon fibre castor
hanging off their frame.
As it's unsafe to wear a damaged helmet, and unreasonable to expect a
cyclist to walk his bike 30 miles home I'm guessing you'll be let off if
you've damaged the helmet on your ride. A damaged helmet stuffed in a
pannier might do the trick. Even if they were wise to it ("that's the
third one this week!"😉 would they have to catch you leaving the house
with a pre-damaged one? Producing the same helmet every time might give
the game away. Perhaps bike shops with a sense of humour could act as
'swap shops' for 'broken' helmets, ensuring a different one can be
produced every time you're caught.
Given the amount of cyclists without lights and riding on the pavements
making it unlikely we'd get pulled[1]; the price of helmets; and the need
to replace them every 2-4 years it might be cost effective to pay the odd
fine and live with it.
[1] Might have to wait a bit whilst the initial high profile enforcement
campaigns die down.
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