Do you support the new Massachusetts bike helmet law?

[welshTerrier2]

I used to ride (bicycle) with Boston's largest cycling club. It's called the Charles River Wheelmen (http://www.crw.org/). You couldn't ride with the club unless you wore a helmet.

Today, a new Massachusetts law was passed raising the age you're required to wear a helmet from 13 to 16. If you're 16 or under, you must wear a helmet while riding bikes, scooters and skates.

I strongly support this law ... I wish it could be extended to adults as well. No matter how well you think you ride, there are motorists out there who are busy gabbing on their cell phones ... the truth is, most adults have no idea how to safely ride a bike. take a hint: bike riding is not all that safe ... and helmets really do help.

So, the poll question is, do you support the new law or are you going to be a "Libertarian weeny" and oppose the new law?

[Chuletas]

1. I'm with you

A helmet probably saved my life on Cambridge St. when I got doored several years ago, I cringe when I see kids riding without a helmet although of course when I was a kid I never wore one.

[welshTerrier2]

4. it just kills me

i see kids riding around with their parents ... the parents rarely wear helmets ...

the kids often have helmets on so loosely that they probably wouldn't help much at all ...

the rule is that the straps should be so tight that you can just slip a single finger between your head and the strap ... it's not supposed to be "comfortable" ... most kids wear helmets like Easter bonnets ...

the front of the helmet should come down just a finger's width above the eyebrow (go ahead, put your index finger on the top of your eyebrow)... most people wear them so that the front just barely covers their hairline ... try planted your forehead on a curb and see if wearing your helmet like that helps you out ...

it just kills me ... and of course the state doesn't spend a penny educating either cyclists or motorists ... and let's not even start a discussion about the idiotic traffic patterns they've designed around here ...

[Kathy in Cambridge]

2. I witnessed a bicycle death in Cambridge, and a near-death also

both parties were not wearing helmets. If drivers have to wear a seatbelt, cyclists should have to wear a helmet.

Boston streets-even with bike lanes-are like obstacle courses and very, very dangerous. And the drivers are unpredictable and aggressive. A helmet may ruin your hair, but it may also save your life.

[el_gato]

3. Yeah, and maybe we should outlaw sports all together

Since kids get hurt playing football even if they wear a helmet.

In fact, I think people should be required to wear full body armor
while walking down the street since something bad might happen to them.

[welshTerrier2]

5. what a lame argument

yes, kids get hurt even when they wear helmets ... great argument !!!

of course, the RELEVANT argument, is not whether kids get hurt when they wear helmets, it's whether FEWER kids get hurt and whether the injuries are less severe when they do ...

and as to your "full body armor" point, why not argue that we should remove all warning labels on foods and medicines, that we shouldn't worry about plowing the icy streets in the winter and that we shouldn't require doctors to have licenses ...

as to your sarcastic observation that "something bad might happen to them", the point is that we should make all reasonable efforts to keep people safe (especially kids) ... wearing a lightweight styrofoam helmet is not exactly the Spanish Inquisition ...

[Kathy in Cambridge]

8. People who are arguing against helmets don't cycle in Boston

17th century cowpaths with parking on both sides of the streets and cars blowing past you at 50 miles per hour on these streets. Driving is a conact sport in Boston. If you're stupid enough NOT to wear a helmet, then that's just Darwin in action.

[Doctor Smith]

6. I agree, it seems hypocritical to allow an inherently risky endeavor,

and then try and make it safe with legislation.

At some point, people have to be responsible for their own wellbeing.

[-..__...]

13. The police seldom (if ever), enforce existing laws ...

with regards to bicyclists.

I would like to see stronger enforcement with fining and ticketing of bicyclists who violate traffic laws.

[RC]

7. I agree with you.

Why don't we just eliminate all modes of non-caged transportation, then we would not need to wear all this so called safety equipment.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

9. In South Dakota you have no people and wide streets

come talk to me after you've cycled back and forth to work in Boston traffic for a month, then we'll discuss the helmet law. We have some of the worst traffic and road conditions in the country:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/biztravel/2004-08-02-navigate_x.htm

[RC]

10. Fargo is in NORTH Dakota.

And there are people here.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

11. The population density here is 2nd on to NY Metro

I challenge you to ride a bike at rush hour here-I grew up riding my bike here and know how dangerous i is.

[-..__...]

12. Nanny State.

I detest this type of "we know what's best for you" legislation.

Let the rider decide(at least in the case for adults).