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The hierarchy of controls tells us that we should physically remove the hazard (Eliminate Cars). But, we choose the least effective option, protection (Helmets and bright colors) (programming.dev)
submitted 1 week ago by to c/fuckcars@lemmy.world
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[–] -3 points 6 days ago (4 children)

If you're road cycling at speed, it would make sense to wear a helmet. But if you're biking to work at a reasonable speed, it is not much different from walking. Which is why it is normal to dress for the destination in countries where people are less worried about being hit by a car. It is never wrong to wear a helmet.

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  • [–] 3 points 6 days ago (3 children)

    Kinetic energy increases with the square of velocity. 3 mph is a normal walking speed while 12-15 mph is a reasonable cycling speed, and 30 mph is easy to achieve on a downhill. The energy difference is not "not much".

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  • [–] 0 points 6 days ago (2 children)

    Not sure what the point is here. You can wear a helmet if you want. But you shouldn't be forced to.

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  • [–] 3 points 6 days ago (1 child)

    You literally wrote "if you’re biking to work at a reasonable speed, it is not much different from walking." The point is that you're wrong about that, it is very different in terms of the energy involved, which generally determines how severe an accident is. Your argument that "you shouldn't be forced to [wear a helmet]" is a different argument entirely.

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  • [–] -1 points 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago)

    "It is not much different " the evaluation of that sentence relies on context. There is a lot that is different. The part that isn't different is the risk of head injuries for adult riders who know how to ride a bike.

    The type of comment i replied to originally (e.g., helmets are important even on flat bike paths with no cars) is unfortunately the exact kind of language employed by people who want to make helmet use mandatory, whether they want to also suppress bicycle use, or are simply misguided.

    Here is some context: https://usa.streetsblog.org/2025/05/16/friday-video-a-deep-dive-on-the-endless-debate-over-bike-helmets

    https://www.bikeradar.com/features/lifting-the-lid-on-the-helmet-debate

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