No protective device is ever perfect against all eventualities though, as today's tragic boating accident in Scotland shows. Four children were in that Canadian canoe, one swam ashore unharmed, a second is critically ill in hospital and the remaining two died. All four were wearing lifejackets when discovered which clearly failed to protect them adequately. I don't doubt that the lifejackets were approved ones which had probably been extensively tested, the failures to protect due to the particular circumstances.

 

No matter how good and well tested a protective device, it will not meet every possible circumstance. Once again this illustrates how vital primary safety is, avoiding the accident in the first place by paying the most attention to that through more effort in planning, preparation and practice. In my experience few do that adequately, tending to pay more attention to secondary safety by using protective devices to alleviate the accident they almost expect.

Early reports had it the kids were only wearing simple floatation devices, not full lifejackets and they weren't enough to keep their heads above water. If such is the case, it shows how stupidity still rules the roost in some places.

The latest news I heard still said lifejackets Dave, but of course the media are not always reliable on such issues. If they weren't, as you've said it certainly was stupidity with such very young children.

I won't wear a cycle helmet partly because I won't do what the Nanny State tells me to do, but more down to cycle helmets being useless. I passed my motorcycle test back in 1968 (no, that's not a typo) and even then it was pointed out that a motorcycle helmet is only good for protection up to 35mph.

 

Like with motorcycle helmets, cycle helmets lead to a measure of "risk compensation" that could be lethal. I feel vulnerable - ergo I take much more care. I also found out long ago that any type of helmet restricts my peripheral vision. Now illness means I have to give up motorcycling, and find my ability to appreciate hazards is now much better now I can ride without a cycle helmet obscuring my peripheral vision.

that may be so pete but when you get whacked from behind by a scooter/bike you may wish you had worn a helmet,

you are not alone on the streets.

that may be so pete but when you get whacked from behind by a scooter/bike you may wish you had worn a helmet,

you are not alone on the streets.

 

I don't know anything about the riding/driving standards in your location, but in something like 1,000,000 miles and well over 45 years on two wheels (powered and pedal) I can honestly say that in all that time I haven't been "whacked from behind by a scooter/bike" nor indeed had any "near misses". It's down to using "common sense" and "keeping my eyes open for the other guy" - something my generation did by instinct. There were also many more cyclists on the roads in the 1950s when I grew up and no-one wore helmets - assuming they were available. Putting it simply, unlike nowadays my generation didn't need to be told how to wipe our backsides.

 

Do you think pedestrians should wear helmets? Pedestrians have suffered head injuries after not just being struck by scooters, motorcycles nor even cyclists, but other pedestrians? Where do you propose to draw the line?

 

Bear in mind that I have paid taxes and NI contributions for several decades, and the "not wearing a helmet costs society to patch you up afterwoods" argument doesn't wash.

Parallels my very long experience Wildswimmer Pete, but I fear we will never alter the views of a modern generation, many of whom seem obsessively fearful of everything. They'll find it offensive, but I think we've been breeding a nation of wimps, obsessed with dangers, real or imaginary, PTSD, and compensation.

Oh...you are SOOOOO right flecc, I despair sometimes at just where this world is heading, never mind just where this COUNTRY is heading.........because with the best will in the world...WE are dying out and very soon will not be replaced with enough 'normal' hard working responsible people to outweigh the dysfunctional families.....to whom everyone else is to blame for everything...never themselves....

 

Lynda

modern generation well I am 61,come and ride around Amsterdam with the scooters, I always wear my helmet at night

but I go fast I hit 45kph last night along some deserted bike lanes to the north of Amsterdam.

you silly old fools.

I don't know anything about the riding/driving standards in your location, but in something like 1,000,000 miles and well over 45 years on two wheels (powered and pedal) I can honestly say that in all that time I haven't been "whacked from behind by a scooter/bike" nor indeed had any "near misses". It's down to using "common sense" and "keeping my eyes open for the other guy" - something my generation did by instinct. There were also many more cyclists on the roads in the 1950s when I grew up and no-one wore helmets - assuming they were available. Putting it simply, unlike nowadays my generation didn't need to be told how to wipe our backsides.

 

Do you think pedestrians should wear helmets? Pedestrians have suffered head injuries after not just being struck by scooters, motorcycles nor even cyclists, but other pedestrians? Where do you propose to draw the line?

 

Bear in mind that I have paid taxes and NI contributions for several decades, and the "not wearing a helmet costs society to patch you up afterwoods" argument doesn't wash.

It happens, I've been hit from behind by a motorbike on it's side and I've had a dog jump out in front of me from behind a tree. I stayed on my feet both times but I've ended up on the floor a few times after loosing traction.

modern generation well I am 61,come and ride around Amsterdam with the scooters, I always wear my helmet at night

but I go fast I hit 45kph last night along some deserted bike lanes to the north of Amsterdam.

you silly old fools.

 

Why wear the cap if it doesn't fit, using that error of yours as an excuse to insult others?

 

This "silly old fool" is stupid enough never to have hurt himself in any way after more than half a century of cycling, motorcycling and driving. How stupid is that?

.

but I go fast I hit 45kph last night along some deserted bike lanes to the north of Amsterdam.

 

Please let us know where you can legally ride a pedelec at 45kph? I was under the impression that pedelecs were limited to 20kph throughout Europe.

Why wear the cap if it doesn't fit, using that error of yours as an excuse to insult others?

 

This "silly old fool" is stupid enough never to have hurt himself in any way after more than half a century of cycling, motorcycling and driving. How stupid is that?

.

 

I do believe it might have been an attempt at humour - of the ironic kind.

Please let us know where you can legally ride a pedelec at 45kph? I was under the impression that pedelecs were limited to 20kph throughout Europe.

 

You can ride as fast as you like on private land if you are the land owner or have the owners permission.

 

The limit within the EU is 25 Km/h, but I am not sure about limits in non EU member European countries.

 

The Isle of Man for example is not a part of the EU, has no national speed limit outside built up areas and you can drive a car at the age of 16.

 

It would be good the hear from Manx member regarding electric bike regulations there if indeed there are any?

 

I guess it will be a while before Mark Cavendish gets round to posting;)

It would be good the hear from Manx member regarding electric bike regulations there if indeed there are any?

 

None showing on 'your' map John ?

 

Lynda

There are several Lynda, it is my second biggest export market;)

 

I meant regulations, not members:rolleyes:

In previous conversation with IoM members it appears that the IoM has no e-bike legislation. I only know of three e-bikes on the island, two being owned by members, so it's probably not a big enough issue for the Tynwald to legislate for.

Its just the way my brain works but every time I read this question "Do you regularly wear a cycle helmet" I am tempted to reply "No, not even on a bike." There I've given in to temptation.

Its just the way my brain works but every time I read this question "Do you regularly wear a cycle helmet" I am tempted to reply "No, not even on a bike." There I've given in to temptation.

 

LOL.....Temptation is a dangerous thing .......but sometimes unavoidable :D

 

Lynda

Please let us know where you can legally ride a pedelec at 45kph? I was under the impression that pedelecs were limited to 20kph throughout Europe.

Anywhere you want really as long as the motor isn't providing power to that speed.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/sep/05/s****horpe-leagueonefootball

The link is broken Mike.

The link is broken Mike.

 

Not quite. I think the forum's swear filter has censored 4 letters of the URL. Where the "****" appears, put in the 4 letters starting with C and ending with T!

The manager of S****horp fc[there is a 4 letter word in there somewhere] had a fall on his bike went over the bars it seems

head shoulder back injury´s first one in years cause of prang a ...Squirrel.no helmet.

Ruddy squirrels, you'd think they would know better and wear a helmet

 

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01592/squirrelHat_1592093c.jpg

At risk of stirring things up again, the silliest example I've ever seen of faith in helmets was on TV a few days ago. Prince Andrew abseiling down The Shard wearing one! Did he really seriously think that could protect him in a fall from up to 300 metres?