You're safer not wearing a cycle helmet, according to research...

[emmelinemay]

Bicyclists who wear protective helmets are more likely to be struck by passing vehicles, new research suggests.

and what i think is the crux of the matter...
Most adult cyclists know what it is like to drive a car, but relatively few motorists ride bicycles in traffic, and so don’t know the issues cyclists face.

There should definitely be more information on the needs of other road users when people learn to drive, and practical experience would be even better.

and this made me laugh -

To test another theory, Dr Walker donned a long wig to see whether there was any difference in passing distance when drivers thought they were overtaking what appeared to be a female cyclist.

Whilst wearing the wig, drivers gave him an average of 14 centimetres (5.5 inches) more space when passing.

Comments

[miss-glitch.livejournal.com]

There should definitely be more information on the needs of other road users when people learn to drive, and practical experience would be even better.

I think that's true, but I also think there should be more emphasis placed on teaching cyclists that about the dangers of skipping red lights without checking to see if there are any pedestrians coming, and about riding between buses at bus stops and the kerb, etc. I have more near misses with cyclists than I've ever done with cars.

Saying that, pedestrians who run across busy roads (I have to admit, I do that) are just as bad!

[mattydesade.livejournal.com]

Well I don't wear a helmet and I've got girl's hair so I should be safe enough. I hope.

[yaruar.livejournal.com]

ive actually changed the way i cycle since i started driving as i never realised what it was like from the drivers perspective.