this post was submitted on 03 Jun 2024
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Why do so few people cycle for transport in Australia? 6 ideas on how to reap all the benefits of bikes (theconversation.com)
submitted 3 months ago by Zagorath@aussie.zone to c/australia@aussie.zone
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[–] quicken@aussie.zone 3 points 3 months ago (2 children)

In many countries with high numbers of cyclers an adult can jump on a bike and cycle along the footpath without a helmet. In Australia you can be fined over $400!

[–] Zagorath@aussie.zone 3 points 3 months ago

A problem, for sure, and the evidence tells us it's a bad idea.

But the evidence also seems fuzzy enough that it seems very unlikely that this is the primary problem with cycling in this country.

[–] BakedGoods@sh.itjust.works 0 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Helmets are great though. Too many people end up with cracked open skulls just from falling over at slow speeds.

[–] Zagorath@aussie.zone 1 points 3 months ago

No you're absolutely right. On an individual level, it always makes sense to wear a helmet. I'll always see someone without a helmet, whatever the context, and think they're a fucking idiot.

Yes, even in the Netherlands.

But individual decisions are not the same as public health policy. And from a public health perspective, mandatory helmets are a net negative.