Our government policy wonks missed a crucial step when enacting bicycle helmet laws - they forgot to conduct a feasability study to assess the 'equality impact' of the law upon women...
...or did they?
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Bicycle Helmet Laws & Discrimination
Our government policy wonks missed a crucial step when enacting bicycle helmet laws - they forgot to conduct a feasability study to assess the 'equality impact' of the law upon women...
...or did they?
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This is a women;s health issue! Female cycling in Australia declined after helmet mandation, particularly in teenage girls. Females only represent 19% of cyclists in this country suggesting that the macho/warrior/speed/danger image of cycling promoted by the present regime impacted more dramatically on women.
ReplyDeleteIn Darwin where the option of traveling on a bicycle track without a helmet is legal 33% of cyclists are women (the highest rate in Australia).
In many European countries the female cycling rate is above 50%.
The decline in female cycling was most dramatic amongst teenage girls
following helmet mandation.
The consequent decline in health and fitness and increase in obesity should be cause for concern !
It is heartening to see women taking a leadership role in the fight against this obnoxious law that has oppressed us for twenty years.
go us! hey Kathy!!
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