| I'm in the Couch, Bradders, Ray etc group. Personal choice, nanny state etc. Otherwise where do you stop? I've ridden a ped on hols in flip flops, but a geared bike is going to hurt your little tootsies, even in softer trainers its hard to change gear effectively.
We decide to ride bikes that are (you can't get away from it) a more dangerous mode of transport, maybe we should have legislation that says full leathers, max 100cc bikes only, airbags, leg protectors, etc etc....there's a case for banning open face helmets for example. What about a back protector, or proper boots with ankle protection. Where do you stop/start?
Do you have to have legislation to make helmets compulsary? If you lived in the country and were popping into the village on a beautiful day, would you like to have the choice to not wear a helmet? I don't always on my pushbike. Cyclists go around in packs in lycra at up to 50mph, I did it myself last year on my Lands End ride - was it dangerous doing 48.5 mph down a hill in the Lakes, sure, would I do it again, oh yes. Irresponsible? Would I do the same bit of road on a motorbike at same speed with no helmet, gloves, boots in a pair of lycra shorts.....hmmm...not sure I would actually, feels too dangerous yet it's perfectly acceptable on a push bike
Freedom of choice for me, less legislation.
eg street furniture, some tests showing remove it all and the roads are safer. Do you think you would ride better if you were naked with no helmet? (albeit some accidents are as a result of cars etc, but we mostly ride sports bikes and I would guess, with noproof whatsoever, that most sports bike accidents are as a result of going too fast for the conditions and skill level)
Take this luvverly sunny weather and London is full of girls in vest tops and shorts going to work (with the bloikes all still in grey suits and tie - what's that all about?). Skin cancer is a major problem. Should we be banned from showing skin in temps above 20 degrees? Compulsary factor 30. Police stop and search checks if your cream is not CE approved?
Rant over
WeeJohnyB  |