http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyHVQT8aIBM

Is the donkey really a unicorn? I've watched it a few times and keep seeing the unicorn.

I'm glad he likes OK Go! If any band deserves our admiration in their music video making, it's?

(Also: Bob likes Kim Deal? Bob continues to be awesome.)

Rube Goldberg

Heath Robinson!

This one's for you, Danielle:

Average Homeboy, Denny "Blazin' Hazen" Haze, 198?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXb6bjCCtuY

Our kids haven't discovered YouTube yet, although I discovered that attendance at primary school these days seems to come with a familiarisation with Abba's greatest hits. Though this is still my children's favourite song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuwYuep4b-E&feature=related?

Is the donkey really a unicorn? I've watched it a few times and keep seeing the unicorn.

That is an excellent point! And, apart from his habit of dismantling everything in sight, this may be further indication that Bob will grow up to be an engineer (or?

Totally with him on the OK GO videos, they are very rewatchable. Does he like their one with the treadmills?

The Pixies 'Gigantic'

Oh yes. I read somewhere that it was going to be the album title but was felt not to combine acceptably with the cover art.

Regarding force and velocity, isn't the velocity (and mass) of the cars, trucks and buses that might hit you more relevant than your own velocity as you cycle?

Do you have local figures on cycling? I remember when the cycle-helmet law came in, and my?

I've already had email from a NatRad listener saying that they hope I fall off my bike and die, so there's no need for anyone else to mention this point again

I am less disturbed by the cycling business than by the fact that (a) this is a toddler post?

Feel free to discuss that here, too. FYI I've already had email from a NatRad listener saying that they hope I fall off my bike and die, so there's no need for anyone else to mention this point again (even if you feel that way)

There is definitely something about?

this is a toddler post with multiple YouTube clips and it's the one you didn't get cold feet about. So as far as my hopes go, falling off your bike is optional.

I'd have thought you'd be most upset about the cunning and villainous way you were forced to read?

I'd have thought you'd be most upset about the cunning and villainous way you were forced to read it against your will.

I wasn't forced. Like all censorious persons, I subjected myself to the ordeal in a voluntary spirit of principled self-sacrifice.

re: helmets and your new science gig on teh wireless... I disagree with the conclusion (some discussion here;
http://www.vorb.org.nz/concrete-evidence-that-helmet-laws-more-harm-than-good-t107279.html )

...but very glad to see more science discussed in more places more often!

Hooray for David!

Regarding force and velocity, isn't the velocity (and mass) of the cars, trucks and buses that might hit you more relevant than your own velocity as you cycle?

Yes, you're right, it is. But cycle helmets aren't designed to protect you under such circumstances.

Here's an article?

WRT the cycle helmet thing, are there examples of countries revoking a helmet law and the number of cyclists increasing?

As far as I can ascertain, New Zealand, Australia, and Israel are the only countries with compulsory cycle helmet laws.

Israel is currently in the throes of?

The A&E argument is very easy to follow and intuitive; the statistical argument difficult to follow and anti-intuitive.

Does the statistical argument look at severity of injuries, or just number?

The latter obviously says something about our society and how people behave on bikes and in cars, the former says something?

Does the statistical argument look at severity of injuries, or just number?

I think the best paper that I've looked at (de Jong, 2009) was a cost benefit analysis. It concluded that: "... only under extreme, theoretical circumstances do mandatory helmet laws not end up costing the healthcare system."

As?

So the best of both worlds is to have everyone wearing a helmet, but have that helmet not affect their behaviour, or the behaviour of motorists? (just their hair).

So the best of both worlds is to have everyone wearing a helmet, but have that helmet not affect their behaviour, or the behaviour of motorists? (just their hair).

In the best of all possible worlds, scientists would also solve the helmet-hair problem. And win a Nobel for it.

I?

There's also some neat analysis that suggests that cul-de-sacs* also have a net negative impact on human health, so does this mean that we can ban Albany and Rolleston? Or at least new poorly thought out?

"I'd rather look like an egg than get scrambled." The beginning of his brilliant career as a Great Persuader...

Oh that's brilliant!

Regarding motorist behaviour, passing too close etc., I find if it make eye-contact with motorists they give me more room and generally are more considerate. This may involve?

I had a boyfriend who did gardening jobs via bicycle, for which he would take his own fork. Cycling with a gardening fork over your shoulder gets you LOTS of space on the road :-D

A local Dunedin cyclist, fanatical anti-helmet wearer, has a large stick poking out the right?

*Cul-de-sacs increase the distance to walk or bike between any two points and general favour the use of cars as transport.

Bring back the alleyway!

I fantasize about the day we all live in a flat, bike-friendly, combustion-engine-rejecting utopia, where it never rains till after sundown, and we all ride everywhere at a leisurely pace on beautifully designed paths, wearing our prettiest clothes at all times.

It would cost quite a lot to relocate the?

Cul-de-sacs increase the distance to walk or bike between any two points and general favour the use of cars as transport.

But, as I believe James has pointed out, they don't have to. You can have lots of pedestrian/cyclepath cut-throughs that make it faster to travel by foot/bike than by?

I am a fierce adherent of the helmet, and was deeply horrified to spot a woman cycling past me the other day at speed...

I'm not sure I'm making myself clear here — the studies that I discussed on the radio say nothing about whether it's?

they're talking about what has already happened in countries with compulsory cycle helmet laws.

I get what you're saying, but aren't there NZ figures on numbers of people cycling since helmets were compulsory? Are they included in the stats you're talking about?

And:

Net effect: you've just shortened her life.?

All we need to do is raise the petrol price. That will mean less cars. No, lets make cars illegal between the hours of 7am to 9am and 4pm and 6pm.

Take away the third party and we will "ride in safety".

We got no?

Yes, it seems that cycling without a helmet increases your chances of becoming a very healthy corpse.

Has the benefits of having a better supply of more healthy transplant donors been factored into the calculations too?

2. Do compulsory helmet laws have a net beneficial effect on the overall health of society?

But that isn't really how we work out these decisions, so it's a bit of a red herring.

Oh, the helmet argument.

I think that comment here has missed a lot of the most important parts of the debate (or rather non-debate, as most issues aren't discussed in any form). Apologies to David if?

I fantasize about the day we all live in a flat, bike-friendly, combustion-engine-rejecting utopia, where it never rains till after sundown, and we all ride everywhere at a leisurely pace on beautifully designed paths, wearing our prettiest clothes at all times. I mean, phwooaaaar.

This seems to be the other?

It's a vicious cycle.

Oh no! Are vicious cycles another danger we've got protect ourselves from? I always thought of them as pretty benign.

So it's a much more complicated issue than it seems — and very anti-intuitive!

I think the helmet thing's pretty simple. They only protect you from concussions, scrapes, and bruising, and the latter only on the top of your head, which have no great health costs anyway, not over and?

Given that head injuries in cyclists in NZ stayed static while cycling decreased by 1/3 in the years immediately after the helmet law,

Does anyone have more recent figures? Could the numbers of cyclists have rebounded since?

I get what you're saying, but aren't there NZ figures on numbers of people cycling since helmets were compulsory? Are they included in the stats you're talking about?

Sure they are. In fact, studies of the situation in NZ have often been cited in other countries to?

Yes, it seems that cycling without a helmet increases your chances of becoming a very healthy corpse.

No, that's not what I was saying at all — quite the opposite. I assume that you're just messing with my brain now?

Somebody told me recently about a surgeon?

I think that comment here has missed a lot of the most important parts of the debate (or rather non-debate, as most issues aren't discussed in any form). Apologies to David if any of these issues were covered in detail, I couldn't get the file to open.

?

It is obvious that the thicker the helmet the less decceleration on the?

No, that's not what I was saying at all — quite the opposite. I assume that you're just messing with my brain now?

I thought you said you accepted that they did in fact protect the cyclist. If you don't, why do you wear one?

But cycling (with or without?

Compulsory safety belts didn't do the trick.

Really? My reading says they slashed the death rate. There are a lot of intuitive bads about roads. Straight roads good? err..no. Crooked roads are the safest. Straighten them out and speeds go up. Driver falls asleep. Boom boom. Seat belts better. Yes...but...driver?

Somebody told me recently about a surgeon who tastefully referred to cyclists as "donors"

I believe the medic in question was referring to motorcyclists as donor cycles. And I'm pretty sure it was an article in The Listener.

& Ross Mason – I'm pretty sure Gio was referring to compulsory seatbelts?

I thought you said you accepted that they did in fact protect the cyclist. If you don't, why do you wear one?

We must be talking at cross-purposes here!

What I said (or certainly meant to say) is that the studies indicate that the negative health consequences?

The UK figures (Office of Population Censuses and Surveys) rate tennis as four times more dangerous than cycling, horse-riding as 29 times more dangerous, and fishing as 41 times more dangerous (per capita per hour). I can't find such figures for NZ, alas.

There was an [[http://www.nzma.org.nz/journal/119-1247/2359/|analysis of ACC claims,?

The UK figures (Office of Population Censuses and Surveys) rate tennis as four times more dangerous than cycling,

I knew it. A lifetime of tennis-aversion vindicated.

I should clarify about the annoying helmetless lady-and-baby. The thing I didn't convey was that I was reflexively horrified for cultural reasons – i.e.,?

As soon as I put on something else I get the request for "Racing Stop Song".

I have long been interested in how children value repetition (the same Wiggles song for the 183rd time; Tory Story for the 87th time), whilst adults tend to value the new and novel. I?

Here's a summary of the latest data from the LTSA over the period 1989-2006 (unfortunately the sampling doesn't straddle the compulsory cycle helmet laws any more conveniently than that):

— the number of cycling trips decreased by 51% from 181 to 89 million trips
— the total distance cycled decreased?

We must be talking at cross-purposes here!

What I said (or certainly meant to say) is that the studies indicate that the negative health consequences of stopping cycling (i.e. coronary disease, diabetes, etc) are much greater than the negative health consequences of continuing to cycle without a helmet (i.e. slight?

Umm Kyle, that wouldn't happen to be a relative (of mine) with the stick would it?

Would that be Gregor?

Tory Story for the 87th time

I'm not sure I'd let my children watch that even once. It sounds terrifying.

I'm not sure I'd let my children watch that even once. It sounds terrifying.

Bound to be more than a few R18 scenes in Tory Story too...

We apoligise for the disruption

Goes to show that it is in fact the hardest word.

No, it's me. The scenes with Margaret Thatcher in I can only watch from behind the couch.

Heh. Good time perhaps to point out that the BBC's hugely useful 3-part backgrounder to Thatcherism is called Tory! Tory! Tory! .

I should give it to you on a VHS next time?

In the 1960s & 70s, pretty well every high school kid in CHCH bicycled to school.

That's what I thought. And university students, too. A lot of us didn't aspire to own cars, in large part because they were expensive.
I haven't followed this very carefully- but how do you tease?

I was just making the point that if you accept that so long as you cycle, it's safer to do it with an helmet, the law itself doesn't seem misguided to me.

But now you've forgotten the other part of the studies that I talked about, dude?

I completely buy your science, David. I just don't fancy testing it on New Haven roads, or letting my kids test it...

Oh, but this comment suggests that I'm still not managing to explain myself properly!

The studies I've been talking about say nothing about helmet safety --?

It's still not the helmet's fault!

But I NEVER EVER said it was the helmet's fault. I said the studies showed that it was the effect of the compulsory cycle helmet law!

Yes, it may be possible to introduce a raft of legislation to force people onto bicycles (although good?

But I NEVER EVER said it was the helmet's fault. I said the studies showed that it was the effect of the compulsory cycle helmet law!

Really, I do get it. But still to me the only reason to repeal the law is if in fact the helmet doesn't offer?

And why do so many of us drive our kids to school?

No one reason. But a lingering memory of not being driven to school and having to ..**gasp.. horror** ...walk. We are creatures who like comfort, and only get used to routine by having it imprinted from childhood -?

My husband's?

I now officially admit that I obviously can't explain science for shit and shall give up trying. If you're reading this post, Kathryn Ryan, then please consider it to be my formal resignation.

Nono! Don't do that!! We need as much proper science in the media as we can get!?

I would be in favour of compulsory helmets for kids

So would I — for the reasons you give (and also because kids can't get drivers' licences!). One of Scufham's papers has some data that may support this on a cost-benefit basis (although the paper is rather simplistic?

..and didn't that 50 years of Tele get off to a good start last week.

Yes, it was excellent, especially in respect of not privileging the history of any particular broadcaster...and if I can take the liberty of promoting my research site one more time, there is a discussion developing?

Umm Kyle, that wouldn't happen to be a relative (of mine) with the stick would it?

and as we found out at last night's party yes it was .....

I now officially admit that I obviously can't explain science for shit and shall give up trying. If you're reading this post, Kathryn Ryan, then please consider it to be my formal resignation

.

F$#K off Haywood (LOUDLY). You dare and I will disown you.

The opportunity for folk "out?

I need the money! Don't let Bob starve, Kathryn!

Now let's be honest, the fear of your child starving isn't really the reason.
What am I doing up at this hour it's 1-1. And I dont care about sport its 'nsomnia. I wonder if those sports chaps are up, I?

Heat's one. Some people I know swear blind that they overheat when they wear helmets, particularly in summer. I personally think that's because they haven't tried any reasonably modern helmets, where the venting is?

Does the data isolate the two major factors you've identified from each other?

1 relates to the cyclist, cycling less (because of having to wear a helmet among other things?) and this affecting society's general health.

2 relates to drivers driving in a less safe way around cyclists because?

BTA* = Bullshit Detection Ability

Surely BDA – Bad acronym fail?

BDA

I can't even figure out where "T"hat came from either......

Bugger.

I'm having a?

And the one in the dress has pretty hair too.

Number of two-car households would be an interesting statistic to map against bike?

I habitually wear a cycle helmet BUT if I'm grinding up to a saddle at about 5km/h in Central Otago in summer, there is bugger all airflow for ventilation, and I'll happily swing my helmet from the handlebars. Always put it on before starting and descent of course.

In this,?

Page 148 of this doc is?

FWIW, as a somewhat frequent visitor to the Shore?

Turn your hysteria dial up to 11, and start writing those letters to the local press!

The 'anti'-hyteria has got so bad that there?

SHORE's website navigation is disastrous (not my first time struggling to find something I know is there).

Phew, not just me then. Ta for hunting it down, James.

Plus, Amy: I think you're totally onto something. Before Mr Honda's el cheapo second car, it was Shanks' pony or on yer bike, for getting to and from school or the shops, for your average one-car family.

I can't help wondering, also, if the culture of parents-constantly-supervising-children has contributed to?

It would be a crime to put a helmet on that gorgeous hair.

So true! Boris Johnson is such a cutie. [should mayors be required to have good hair, do you think? I didn't look to see if the DM has already written on this subject :-)]

Boris Johnson is such a cutie

AND Royal too!!!!

The actual physical reality of the helmet is another. To put it simply, helmets are a pain to carry around. They're impractical to attach to your bike (if you lock it to the frame, they're just at dog-urination level), and they're a bit annoyingly shaped for carrying around in a?

But it's a really nice umbrella with a lovely impressionist print on it .....

...Tyre marks?

no, waterlilies

aaah! a case of take the Monet and run then?
:- )

I've come rather late to this discussion, much has been stated, quite a few questions asked, and some misconceptions aired. I'll comment on a few of the points, maybe have a bit of fun, etc...

so I'll start with a disclaimer: I am a scientist, I have researched?

so I'll start with a disclaimer: I am a scientist, I have researched this topic, etc.

That ought to be a claimer, surely? :-)

(Really, though, it's an interesting comment on the times we live in that expertise is something that needs to be hedged – see Bart's valiant contribution?

I don't know what the evidence is for the helmet hair thing but pretty much every woman I can think of cites it. It can take me half an hour or more to do my hair, depending on what the weather has done/will do to it, and?

It can take me half an hour or more to do my hair

That's about my quota for a year.

I don't know what the evidence is for the helmet hair thing but pretty much every woman I can think of cites it. ... It's a shame, because I enjoy riding. But not more than I enjoy looking professional in a professional environment.

I can't say I have personally met?

What a frustrating story – that poor lady! What a ridiculous situation.

I remember when the helmet law came?

Keep bicycling folks!

And if you wear a helmet, always ride as though you don't.

I don't think cyclists are in danger of feeling complacent on a road shared with cars, SUVs, buses and trucks! Helmet or no helmet, you're always the ant running with the elephants. The danger is?

Doesn't seem to be online yet.

Wearing a cycle helmet has negative outcomes for the public?

Not wearing a cycle helmet has positive outcomes for the public health system, because this results in more fatalities (no cost to the health system, but a negative outcome for costs to society in the form of increased welfare payments)

I see we're slowly inching towards my plan of having?

Not wearing a cycle helmet has positive outcomes for the public health system... I begin to realize that I am completely and utterly crap at explaining any of this. Sorry folks!

Okay, I suppose I was asking for a whole bunch of sarcasm like that. Although, of course,?

The town of Black Hawk in Colorado USA currently has a ban on bikes in certain streets. (Item on website under press release). It would seem it is unsafe for?