| The law does not seem to have much bite to it, Gov. Weld was
going to veto it but somehow changed his mind and signed it. The
law basically tries to regulate personal conduct ( eventhough that
conduct often impacts society as a whole ), one has to wonder how
effective such regulation can be.
My position on the law is neutral, but my position on the wearing
of helmets is clear-ANYONE who does not wear one is making a mistake.
A helmet saved my life, I consider myself a very skilled and careful
bike rider.
Abe;
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| Last year the New Zealand government passed a law making helmets
compulsory for all cycle riders. Motorcyclists have had to wear helmets
here for over 15 years.
I think the helmet law has been in force since 1 January this year,
there is a fine ($30 I think) if you don't wear one. For an
introductory period, the police have been waiving the fine upon
production of proof of purchase of a helmet.
I now rarely see anyone on a cycle without a helmet, just the
occasional moron (in the 15 - 25 age bracket) who doesn't want to be
told what to do.
There certainly aren't too many parents who want to pay fines that
their kids accumulate. Before the law, I would say that only 50% of
kids would wear helmets. I know my brother used to have to remind his
youngest to put his helmet on (a family rule) when he went riding from
time to time. Now with all kids wearing them, noone feels like a dork
for wearing one.
It's amusing to think that 112 or 13 years ago, when I used to
alternate between riding my motorcycle or my bicycle to work, on
motorcycle days, I would wear complete safety equipment - boots,
gloves, jacket, helmet etc. But on bicycle days, it was running shoes,
shorts, T-shirt and gloves and sweatshirt for cold days - no helmet
ever. Noone wore them then except for serious competitive cyclists.
Lindsay
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