On Radio Scotland this lunchtime, Dr Ian Walker from Bath University explaining his research into the relative overtaking distance given by motorists to cyclists wearing or not wearing a helmet. An useful enough discussion on his findings was then followed by an interview with a person from RoSPA who announced that the findings were interesting and worth following up but they would continue to advise all cyclists to wear a helmet because it was obvious that in case of an accident a helmet could save the cyclist's life. Just ask any A & E consultant, she advised.
On Radio Scotland this lunchtime, Dr Ian Walker from Bath University explaining his research into the relative overtaking distance given by motorists to cyclists wearing or not wearing a helmet. An useful enough discussion on his findings was then followed by an interview with a person from RoSPA who announced that the findings were interesting and worth following up but they would continue to advise all cyclists to wear a helmet because it was obvious that in case of an accident a helmet could save the cyclist's life. Just ask any A & E consultant, she advised.
RoSPA seem to be the BBC's source of choice for a pro-helmet comment to 'counter' Dr Walker's findings. It's depressing that, faced with a possible explanation for the observation that helmets don't improve cyclist safety, the spokesperson simply denies the observed facts. IOW, she is effectively saying yes to more 'accidents' because she believes helmets will make them more survivable! Maybe that P in RoSPA is promotion.
Colin McKenzie
-- On average in Britain, you're more likely to get a head injury walking a mile than cycling it. So why aren't we all exhorted to wear walking helmets?
