The linked article as a very interesting picture -" rush hour" - a group of cyclists in an urban environment. Take a quick look at it or the screenshot below ( say, a car driver length glance) , then come back and read this post.
A couple of questions
1 how many riders without a helmet? So, you noticed her?
2 how many riders in high vis? If you noticed them , was the lady in pink riding in the designated cycling lane?
It's an interesting exercise in psychology - most of us would have noticed the " stupid" lady without a lid - who was riding relatively safely amongst a group. I initially ignored the stupidity of the high vis lady who was riding in the blue zone - MUCH more at risk of hitting a car ( nb not being hit....she is contributing imho) .
More importantly, I personally expect that when we put on our protected gear we feel more protected so take more risks. I know I ride faster on the same trails when wearing a full face. I'm not convinced that flimsy bits of foam on your head , bright colored clothes, or even high vis socks offer enough protection against other vehicles to balance out the risk some cyclist take when protected.
Now, go back and read the article, and reflect on the 2 different docs advocating for / against compulsory lids. Would you rather trust your all cause mortality to a trauma surgeon, or a public health specialist?
Ps yes, I always wear a lid - as an Australian I don't have a choice. But yesterday my 10 yo was riding around the paddock with his mate, the other kid could barely ride a bike. That's a disgrace, and I partly blame compulsory helmets ( plus poor cycling infrastructure, community perceptions, and perhaps the deregulation of the dairy industry....)
