Biker dies after coming off and hitting his head at NY helmet law protest

Originally Posted by Venom

She doesn't know what irony is.

To be fair, I'm pretty sure she's Canadian not American, so she might. I've got that on CD somewhere though, and I think most of the lyrics were more about bl00dy bad luck rather than irony. Bless her, she was young. She's a proper actress now - she's even played God (in Dogma, which if it isn't on that list of films to watch, definitely should be).

Back on topic, yes, I'd go for a Darwin for that one - it was indeed a conscious decision as TamSV says but isn't that the point? After all, the guy who cuts down the branch he's sitting on makes a conscious decision to cut it. Conscious, just not very sensible.

[sv4me]

Does self preservation not mean anything to these muppets?

When I think of some of the things that have hit me on the helmet, wasps, stones, cigarettes, errant pigeons!

[SoulKiss]

Originally Posted by Venom

She doesn't know what irony is.

Which is why I suggested she be shown an example...

[Winder]

Personally i think they should make it law to have skin covered on a bike. Theres a tosser in woking that rides around in a vest top and shorts with no gloves. I had a 30mph crash a few weeks ago, broke two bones but was in full leathers. No infected road rash and skin grafts. Even if its only jeans and a jumper with gloves it'll give a little bit of protection.

RIP biker, but less face it he was a harley rider do we need to say any more

Originally Posted by suzukigt380paul

RIP biker, but less face it he was a harley rider do we need to say any more

Firm but fair!

Originally Posted by Winder

Personally i think they should make it law to have skin covered on a bike. Theres a tosser in woking that rides around in a vest top and shorts with no gloves. I had a 30mph crash a few weeks ago, broke two bones but was in full leathers. No infected road rash and skin grafts. Even if its only jeans and a jumper with gloves it'll give a little bit of protection.

Now, personally, I would agree with you (the t-shirt and shorts brigade were riding their scooters around Chichester this weekend - madness). However, there are those who would see the imposition of such a law as an attack on their individuality and personal freedom, so expect a backlash against the very thought of such a thing. Starting. About. Now.....

[TamSV]

And, we're off...

I'm generally against more laws for the sake of it and certainly laws that only protect us from ourselves. There's a difference between the wisdom of wearing gear and the compulsion to do so.

Not wearing gear or a lid only harms the rider, so why legislate? Maybe some folk want to ride without a lid, not because they're stupid and think it's safe, but because it's dangerous. Fair play if that floats your boat.

I would personally wear a lid most of the time even if it wasnt required - certainly needed for stone and wasp protection, never mind an off. I think it's probably a wise thing to do.

But I would also support this guys right to ride without one if he chooses. If his enjoyment of riding without a lid outweighed the increased risk then that's entirely up to him. It's his head, not mine.

I know people who think I'm mad to ride a bike because they think it's too dangerous. Personally, the enjoyment outweighs the risk (which they have overestimated anyway). It's exactly the same thing, just a different degree and perception of risk.

I used to go rock climbing when I was in my late teens and early 20's. What a pointless, hazardous activity that is. Good fun though. Sometimes we climbed without ropes. We always abseiled without a safety rope. Stupid eh? One mistake and we were 100% certain of death. Which was, of course, the entire point. I'm a bit too old and responsible for that kind of stuff now but I wouldn't stop others doing the same if they feel the need.

Go for a ride across a field or a campsite in a t-shirt without your lid on and tell me it doesn't feel great.

I know where Winder is coming from but I have to admit I rode my bike down the cul de sac from my house just to turn it around as there was loads of building rubble in the way, and I thought aw feck it, I'll carry on around the block it's quiet no one will see. So I did 3 or 4 times, I had no lid, gloves or jacket.

Your right Tam, it was bloody marvellous, that morning I was Steve McQueen!!

(I am in fact very similar in charisma and looks. I don't smoke though).

[Biker Biggles]

And while we are about it we should surely ban swimming and sailing in the sea which is very dangerous,cycling in London(little short of suicidal),anything that involves mountains,and have you tried crossing Finchley High Road recently?

[TamSV]

Originally Posted by The Idle Biker

that morning I was Steve McQueen!!

Genuine lol.

Sums it up nicely.