What d'ya reckon ... :)

[Blackal]

I believe it is the financial aspect, as argued in the post by Blackal. That is a much more acceptable argument (to me). Why should you be happy about me spending your tax money to fix me up after my stupidity. Yes, I get that.
.

Yup - since it is only the rider who is directly affected (his family is the closest third-party) - it is up to the rider how he manages that risk. So - all that is left - is financial.

In the same way that underwriters ask if you carry a pillion (as that can potentially double their risk) - then the same can apply to riding without a helmet.

But - I think the cost (to everyone else) is a drop in the ocean, really:

Take away the legal requirement to wear a helmet - of the relatively few who go out without - not so many are going to actually crash, their speed might be somewhat moderated - and some will only suffer a scraped head, rather than a cracked-open skull?

Al

[el-nicko]

It's soooo unfair. I mean, not only is there a horse-power/max speed 'cap' (albeit voluntary) on any bike us bikers might like, but a 17yo with the wherewithal can buy himself a 270mph Veyron and any son of a middle-eastern oil state can rip around Knightsbridge in a 200mph+ car, both without fear of being apprehended for not wearing head protection. I mean, logically, why single bikers out? Why aren't 'crash' helmets compulsory for all road users? 'They' may point out that seat belts negate the need but I'd be interested to see some statistics focusing on how many vehicle occupants involved in an RTA had suffered head injuries whilst wearing aseat belt.

Here's the thing: I often travel by bus and some of the buses are equipped with seat belts. I know a lot of my fellow passengers are also cyclists/horse riders and when they're out on their bikes/horses they wear those useless plastic hats or helmets. However I've never seen one of them avail themselves of the belts provided on the bus. Likewise my flying friends. They never fail to strap the aircraft on but some of them are still reluctant to wear a seat belt whilst driving. I've noticed too that almost everybody who turns up in their own helicopter (or military or professional) wears a helmet but the most vulnerable, the school instructors, don't. Go figure. (Can't believe I said that )

Here's another thing: I remember, years ago, sitting, near the door, having a quite pint in a pub that had old, low wooden beams, ( I think it was 'The King's Head' in Upton-on-Severn. ) when suddenly the door flew open and in strode a tall bloke. He took just two strides before he smacked his forehead, with an audible 'THUNK!', on a low beam and knocked himself stone cold out. He couldn't have been doing anymore than 3mph at the most but it was painful to watch. When I'm in a country where helmets aren't mandatory and maybe I've got the loan of a mates bike, I think of that bloke and borrow a hat too.

RIP Fred Hill.

Nick.