A new campaign aims to make helmets available for Biketown users
Creator of petition has a meeting with Biketown GM to discuss the issue.
helmet use
Alta pitches helmet vending machines for Vancouver BC bike share
Much has been debated about the how the use of helmets impacts bicycling rates (or doesn’t). Now the debate is finding a new battlegrounds among the burgeoning crop of bike-share systems throughout North America. Vancouver B.C. is an interesting case. The city is lauded as a leader in bicycling (they’re even hosting the major international … Read more
Responding to feedback, BTA clarifies and modifies helmet policy
BTA says they’ll oppose mandatory helmet laws “if a bill does not advance cycling in Oregon.”(Photo © J. Maus) In an email to members this morning, Bicycle Transportation Alliance Board President Stephen Gomez wrote a letter offering, “Clarity on the BTA’s helmet stance.” The letter comes in response to a new helmet policy released by … Read more
When it comes to helmet laws, language matters
Mandatory helmet laws say the little guy should wear one.(Photos © J. Maus) After reading about the helmet survey launched by the Bicycle Transportation Alliance last week, I wanted to share a cautionary tale about helmet laws. I live in Vancouver, Washington where we’ve been living with a mandatory, all-ages helmet law since 2008. If … Read more
Seeking clarity on helmet debate, BTA launches survey
BTA wants to have a clear answer when it comes to the inevitable helmet debate.(Photos © J. Maus) The Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA) has launched a survey of their members to get feedback on one of bicycling’s biggest debates: helmet use. Here’s a blurb from an email sent to members about the survey: “The board … Read more
Heading to the ‘Couve? Don’t forget your helmet
Heading to the ‘Couve? Remember your helmet.(Photos © J. Maus) Back in 2008, Vancouver (WA) passed an all-ages, mandatory helmet law. While enforcement has been nearly nonexistent since then, the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) says that’s about to change. Hoping to increase compliance with the law, VPD spokesperson Kim Kapp tells us new police patrols, … Read more
Do all-ages helmet laws work? An update from Vancouver, WA
What happens in places that have a mandatory, all-ages helmet law on the books? Do injury rates decline? Does bike ridership go down? That’s the conventional wisdom; but is it true? Nearly three years after passing such an ordinance, the effect of Vancouver’s helmet law is difficult to ascertain. Our Vancouver correspondent Marcus Griffith took … Read more
Opinion: Helmet debate saps energy we need to increase light use
Whether or not people should wear — or be mandated to wear — helmets is the bike world’s pro-choice/pro-life debate. From Europe to Australia and definitely here in the U.S., people are passionate about the topic and they cling adamantly to their positions. Personal anecdotes about a life saved due to a helmet are on … Read more
Event: Bike Beaverton (8/1/10)
Event Name: Bike Beaverton Event Start Date: 1 August 2010 Start Time: 1:00:00 PM Web Site: http://www.beavertonoregon.gov/bike Event Description: At 1 p.m., Bike Beaverton kicks off with a performance from Northern Alliance Drum Line. The Beaverton Police Department will hold a safety rodeo where children can have fun maneuvering through an obstacle course while learning … Read more
Esplanade rider seeks clues about serious crash
A man who ended up in the emergency room after a serious crash while riding on the Eastbank Esplanade last Friday (9/19) is looking for witnesses to help him piece together what happened. Richard B. (he didn’t want to share his last name) says it was about 3:45 pm and he was riding south on … Read more
“Freedom Ride” will protest Vancouver helmet law
Vancouver Mayor Royce Pollard modeling proper helmet behavior.(Photo © J. Maus) A twelve year-old Vancouver boy has organized a ride to protest the all-ages helmet law that was recently passed by the Vancouver City Council. The ordinance, which makes helmets mandatory for everyone on a variety of human powered vehicles, was passed by a 5-1 … Read more
Comment of the Week: It’s about safety, not ‘cyclists’