[sustran] Don't we want honest labeling on bicycle helmets?

[Todd Edelman]

*Don't we want honest labeling on bicycle helmets?*
Full post with image at: 
http://greenideafactory.blogspot.com/2011/03/dont-we-want-honest-labels-on-helmets.html

Bike helmets are getting more colourful these days. Perhaps they are 
also better designed, but the fact remains that they are not designed 
for typical crashes between a cyclist and a motor vehicle when the 
latter is operating at typical speeds (above 30 km/h or 20 mph). They 
are tested to simulate a cyclist falling without the involvement of a 
motor vehicle, and very slowly, at less than 15 mph.

I would bet, however, than most bike helmet users do think they are 
tested and make a big difference in a crash with a car. It is clear that 
helmet producers are not interested in pro-actively communicating 
information about this design limitation to their customers.

I am pro-choice on helmets, for helmet freedom, and if wearing a helmet 
gets you on a bike that's great, but correct information is just as 
important as subjective safety.

If you are interested in helping research what helmet users really 
think, and pressuring the helmet producers to help create more honest 
labeling and marketing, please comment here or write me at 
edelman(at)greenidea.eu.

***

For more information on bicycle helmets see the website of the Bicycle 
Helmet Research Foundation, http://www.cyclehelmets.org/

To join the Facebook (Fan) Page "No Mandatory Bike Helmets at Velo-city 
Global 2012 in Vancouver" click on 
https://www.facebook.com/pages/No-mandatory-bike-helmets-at-Velo-city-Global-2012-in-Vancouver/165806686776077?ref=ts

You are free to download this image, print and distribute. You may also 
download a smaller PDF (should print okay in A4 or 8.5 x 11 with white 
borders) at this link: http://db.tt/bnRf266

-- 

Todd Edelman
Green Idea Factory/Slow Factory

Mobile: ++49(0)162 814 4081

edelman(at)greenidea.eu
www.greenidea.eu


Skype: toddedelman

Urbanstr. 45
10967 Berlin
Germany