Senator Floyd Prosanksi proposes mandatory bike helmets
Oregon State Senator and bike advocate Floyd Prosanski proposed mandatory bicycle helmets for all-ages. What came as a surprise was the fact that Senator Prosanski is probably the most civil libertarian member in the Legislature. Bicycle activist rebuffed the idea saying that the hassle would result in people using bikes less. Hmmm, let’s apply this theory to other regulations and taxes.
Why would this legislator feel it is his duty to tell others what to do? If he wants to save lives he could try and mandate helmets for all auto drivers and probably save more. I expect he sees success through a liberal, nanny state, Dem controlled legislature and can't pass up the opportunity to put a notch in his legislative gun belt. Sometimes they want to get something passed just to say they did.
Jason is right, less regulation is needed, not more. That applies to all aspects of Oregonians lives and businesses. If a legislator wants to make name for himself then start repealing laws not passing new ones.
Seat belts shouldnt be required either, even though they are good.
I hate being told to wear my seatbelt, it is uncomfortable, binding and one size does not fit all. But then again we have to use them and I haven't seen many people stop driving because of it.
What's good for the goose ought to be good for the gander
The dangers inherent in driving a motor vehicle versus the dangers of riding a bicycle at 10 mph on a bike path are very different. Riders like myself who mix it up with cars have no problem wearing a helmet. Kids already are required to wear helmets but enforcement is non-existent.
The representative's solution is not only a hammer looking for a nail but it's too big a hammer with too broad a scope. There are better ways to expend legislative time and energy.
I could be wrong though.
I thought his nickname was "Pink Floyd".
http://www.msubillings.edu/BusinessFaculty/larsen/MGMT452/OSHA%20humor/OSHA_Bike_Safety.htm
Bike riding has somehow been transformed into this heroic Mother Teresa act of saving the planet, that requires everyone who drives a car to subsidize the endevour. I think we should at least be allowed to not be burdened by the medical bills while the beatification of these noble two wheeled crusaders for planet earth is under consideration. It would seem to me that if the reasoning for requiring helmets for children and motorcycle riders is there, it is hard to find how listening to NPR or global planet wide sanctimony immunes these folks from the same head trauma that seems to be a risk for those less holy. I submit that until full crash test evaluation of the self adorned halo these noble fighters for earth wear is evaluated, we should protect them to the fullest and require helmets. If its good enough for a teenager or a Hells Angel, then by God it should be good enough for these valiant knights for Gaia!
If it saves just one Bicycle Storm Trooper's life, then by God it's worth it. Let them ride forth in safety, and even greater sanctimony, for from the passage of this law forward, they shall be thus more adorned, for now they are not only saving the planet, not only saving road congestion, not only fighting terrorism and indeed fighting for all that is right and beautiful and good through the mere act of riding a bike, yea, they will now thenceforward be doing so without burdening the health care system with their head trauma injuries. Who among us can be against this? Can there be a soul alive that would not argue that these, the most sacred among us by virtue of their transportation choice, are not deserving of societies utmost attempts to preserve and protect their safety? I say NAY brothers. For surely we protect them, and save the earth. And equally sure we let them perish or suffer impact trauma to their noggin at our peril. Is anyone not to be dammed, his very own soul falling into the fiery pits of hell tortured for all eternity for not protecting these two wheeled non motor propelled angels sent from God himself? For if it is true that he who rides a bike deserves to be subsidized for his valiance, then surely he deserves to be protected!
Bicycling has clearly transitioned from a recreational pursuit to a regular part of our transportation, particularly in places like Eugene and Portland. Cyclists are out on the streets in numbers, and their heads are no harder than motorcyclists heads. Helmets should be required for the exact same reason we require seatbelts and airbags in cars, and helmets on motorcyclists. Helmets save lives and they save taxpayer money in aftercare.
Either repeal the requirements for car and motorcycles drivers, or add bicyclists to the list (that is the "qualified" part).
I actually have to agree with Dean....
But don't add another 7 years CD!
Oh my God, you are kidding me?
It is a sunny day after all. I cant believe it, Dean, my God man, you have actually veered into the truth. I agree with everything you said.
Hearken - Is that Strauss I hear in the background?
Also Sprach Zarathustra?
Open pod bay doors HAL.......The Star Child will appear post haste!
Mein Furher! ......I Can Walk!!!!!!!
As for me, I'm going for a bike ride with my helmet on my head.
Also, gloves should most certainly be mandatory as well.
And shoes with heavy soles and steel toes.
And water should be available to every rider at all times.
And a light snack.
Without too much salt or sugar.
And leather pants.
Now we're talking!