In light of my detractors pointing out that cycling is terribly unsafe and that helmets are a must when moving forward with promoting cycling, I wanted to post some images that I came across, this morning, that not only reflect the savage attitudes and behaviours of the Dutch but also reflect my irresponsible, 'bohemian' vision for Victoria.
Those with sensitive stomachs should advert their eyes, because this is pretty shocking stuff.
A typical paint job for the Death School Buses. (schlijper.nl)
All of the remaining horror images are from amsterdamize.com
He'll shortly require that ice cream to soothe his skull.
Euthanasia is legal, too.
Pointing to wear they will fall, next.
The end of Romeo and Juliet, Amsterdam-style.
Is she pushing her off the bike? The lack of a helmet is enough, woman!
Euthanasia #2: Tears of Sorrow.
The new Chrysler Deathwagon
Sarcasm aside, we are a long, long way from, in my opinon, acceptable levels of cycling and driving in Victoria.
I do not think that removing helmet laws will instantly lead to some cycle-topia. However, I am certain that it will increase cycling, thereby making cycling more safe (and providing all of the other benefits that go with more cycling and less driving), which in turn will increase cycling, bike infrastructure, and then the 'cycle' will just perpetuate itself -- just like it has for cars over the past 60 years.
4 comments:
Those images are truly terrifying.
Can't say I didn't warn you!
The photos from Copenhagen remind me of the "bike culture" that most of the baby boomer generation experienced in the 50's and 60's. Everyone had a bike and rode them daily - the school yards were jammed with bike racks - and not a helmet (or a lock) in sight. As a 10 year old my parents were quite fine with me and my brother riding our bikes from our house in Courtenay B.C. to Hornby Island - 12 miles of highway and 7 miles of gravel with two ferries in between!
Were we trained to ride safely? Don't think so! No bike? - no problem, we'll double (even triple)! Paper route? - lets bolt this iron rack on the front of your bike, load it up with 30 pounds of newspapers head off on deliveries - nope, no helmet.
Helmets do serve a purpose and I wear one every day as I commute to work - I do feel safer in traffic. But, they should be optional - not mandatory.
Thanks for the comment, bigfish, and for the anecdote/insight into the Island's recent cycle history & culture.
I agree (of course) that people should wear helmets if they feel safer. However, that does make me think of a) that people are more likely to take risks when they feel safer/protected, and b) that drivers are less likely to give you room and to respect your vulnerability.
I am not saying that either of those apply to you, and, of course, both are generalizations -- you need to think of your specific circumstances. However, I do think that there's a case to be made, even in Victoria's current hostile cycling environment, for upright, more... casual cycling vs. helmets, spandex, and reflective strips.
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