Well, I think I've decided to start blogging again. Here's one of many issues on which side with regard to I don't know where I stand (sorry, it's deliberately-weird-utterance day, translations on request):

———- Forwarded message follows ———-

Hi all,

The London Cycling Campaign, in conjunction with the CTC (I've forgotten what this stands for), has produced a briefing document on why the current Private Members Bill seeking the compulsory use of cycle helmets for under sixteens should be opposed.

I have uploaded the document to our e-mail group...If anyone has difficulty accessing the document would like a copy, let me know and I will e-mail it to you direct.

I know that there has been some discussion on this list about the pros and cons of helmet wearing so I thought this document would help inform the debate.

The main reasons given for opposing the proposed law are:

The principal threats to children's lives are obesity, heart disease and other illnesses resulting in large part from inactivity. Cycling has a key role to play in preventing these illnesses. Less cycling through a helmet law would aggravate the situation.

- Cycling is a healthy activity, and the likelihood of serious head injury is widely exaggerated.

- Cycling becomes safer the more people who do it. Encouraging cycling is by far the most effective way of reducing risk of injury.

- Helmet promotion deters cycling and leads to poorer health.

- The benefits of helmets are greatly over-stated.

- Many other everyday activities could benefit more from helmets than cycling

- A helmet law would make it a crime for children to take part in a health-giving activity.

Best wishes

Stephen