Why? Why? Why?
Why would the British Medical Association give the mandatory helmet law scheme their imprimatur (see page 44)?
It doesn't make any bicycle sense?
...sigh! and the Boris bikes were such fun!!!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Trust us, we're doctors!!!!
Why? Why? Why?
Why would the British Medical Association give the mandatory helmet law scheme their imprimatur (see page 44)?
It doesn't make any bicycle sense?
...sigh! and the Boris bikes were such fun!!!
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Because the BMA are scared. They want to curb car use but dont think they have the influence with either the public or government.
ReplyDeleteIts a sticking plaster approach imo that fails to cover the real depth of the wound
you're right - they suck!
DeleteAt least the Helmet Law idea doesn't make it into their blue "Areas for Action" box on p.45.
ReplyDeletemaybe - but it's only a matter of time
DeleteIs it time to form an Association "Doctors against bike helmet laws"? Could we get doctors to lobby their medical association? I'm thinking Australia...
ReplyDeleteha! ha!...
DeleteNo scientific consensus on the effect of helmet legislation on cycle use?
ReplyDeleteYou really can't trust these guys if they come out with crap like that.
Going back to the text of the BMJ stuff, they quote (p44) "While a number of reviews have considered the impact of compulsory helmet legislation on cycling levels, (ref155, 156) there is no consensus in the scientific literature."
ReplyDelete156 refers to the Macpherson and Spinks paper of 2007, which clearly states (p4)
"There were no included studies that assessed change in
bicycle use or any other potential adverse effects of legislation."
So let me get this right. Based on the UK dept of trasport's fairly questionable paper, and a paper which didn't even look at possible negatives of the legislation, the BMA draws the conclusion that there is no scientific consensus?
Do we really understand what we are up against? Its like trying to persuade the schoolmen of mediaeval Europe that the earth went round the sun. Only they at least had the excuse of appalling communications leading to a snail's pace spread of ideas and knowledge.
What's the excuse for the BMA?
None! - they're unforgiveable
DeleteHi Sue, Sorry to post off topic, but could you contact me re. Freestyle Cyclists launch. Cheers.
ReplyDeleteThink I have (?) but will again (just in case I haven't!!!)
DeleteThink I have (?) but will again (just in case I haven't!!!)
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDear Damien,
DeleteThanks, but no thanks!!!
The advocacy here is ad-free!!
Kind regards,
Sue
If I was being cynical I would say that too many of these doctors drive large cars and would rather not have cyclists on the road. However, it is more likely that they are too lazy to actually read the literature and arrogantly assume their views based on anecdote are right. It is very notable that it is not those who work in public health that are pushing those, but those who have never looked at the data in an informed manor.
ReplyDeleteKim, I think you're spot on!!!
Delete- so frustrating this medical ignorance - and irresponsible too because invariably pollies fatuously latch onto whatever aforementioned medicos pontificate about
*sigh*