The Effect of Universal Motorcycle Helmet Laws on Behavior Bike helmet laws have little effect reducing head injuries, says UBC study Better to build separated lanes than force people to wear a helmet says author of cycling study Posted: Nov 06, 2015 4:24 PM PT Last Updated: Nov 06, 2015 4:24 PM PT Mandatory bike helmet legislation doesn't necessarily reduce cycling-related head injures according to a UBC study. The long-held assumption that helmet legislation helps lower the rate of head injuries to cyclists is being challenged by a new report from the University of British Columbia. The study published last week in BMJ Open [British Medical Journal] compared data from provinces like B.C. that have introduced mandatory helmet laws to those without them. Although helmet legislation was effective in getting more cyclists to wear helmets, it did not translate into fewer head injuries. "Helmet laws didn`t make a difference to hospitalization rates for head and brain injuries," said study author Prof. Kay Teschke.

Teschke says the study yielded more surprises including that the rate of hospitalization amongst cyclists actually dropped as the rate of cycling went up. She says this may be a result of motorist and cyclist getting used to each other as rates of cycling increase, and also a reflection of better and safer cycling infrastructure enticing more people to get on their bikes. Professor Kay Teschke say building better cycling infrastructure is a better way to prevent cycling injuries than forcing people to wear helmets. The report also showed women cyclists are hospitalized at a much lower rate than men who account for nearly 75 per cent of all cycling injuries. Teschke says women, on average, tend to cycle slightly more slowly than men, and choose safer routes, separated bike lanes and quiet streets more often . Teschke believes the results of her study support the kind of policy choices made in places like Denmark and Holland, where cycling is prominent. "They haven't emphasized helmets at all," she said.

"They've put their emphasis on separated infrastructure, making infrastructure that attracts people to cycling. And their injury and fatality rates are quite a bit lower." Stay Connected with CBC News Severe weather warnings or watches in effect for: Latest British Columbia News B.C. man's Segway discrimination case to be heard at human rights tribunalmotorcycle hid conversion kits h7 Kamloops, B.C., man charged with second-degree murder following weekend deathmotorcycle store in belleville nj Archaeologist 'decolonizes' B.C.'s road signs via Photoshop1200cc motorcycle for sale New UBC study reaffirms link between genes and addictionget motorcycle licence melbourne

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Petition to change date of B.C. Family Day continues to add signatures New UBC study reaffirms link between genes and addictionWhether protected by three tonnes of metal and a seatbelt or by leathers and a helmet, all drivers are responsible for motorcycle safety. In fact, besides speed and inattentive driving, the main factor contributing to motorcycle incidents in British Columbia is a failure by other drivers to yield the right-of-way. Provincial laws covering helmet standards and passengers should help reduce the risk of riding and potential injuries; however, greater overall awareness of motorcycles is still vital for preventing serious incidents. In the name of motorcycle safety, we want to share some tips for bikers and four-wheeled travellers to encourage all drivers to move in harmony. Driving a car or truck? Treat motorcycles like they are as big as other vehicles. Sure, motorcycles don’t take up as much lane space as a dual cab pickup, but they often adjust lane positions to avoid road debris and respond to wind and passing vehicles.

Allow motorcycles plenty of lane space. Double-check those blind spots. The motorcycle’s smaller size still has to be taken into consideration, especially when changing lanes. Use your turn signal and take extra care to ensure the way is clear.Stopping distances for cars and motorcycles are about equal, but wet conditions can make quick stops difficult for both. What might be a mere “fender bender” between two cars could end up much more serious with a motorcycle involved. Be extra cautious pulling in front. Due to their smaller size, motorcycles can appear farther away than they actually are. They can also be hidden behind other larger vehicles, so ensure you have lots of space to turn in front without interrupting the oncoming motorcycle. Does the bike have its turning signal on? Play it safe and wait until it turns. Change lanes for merging motorcycles. While we suggest getting out of the way for all vehicles merging onto the highway, changing lanes to leave room for motorcyclists is particularly important.

Avoid centre of lane when traffic slows. It’s best to have a quick exit strategy when traffic suddenly grinds to a halt. Keeping to the left or right of your lane allows you to escape quickly if a trailing vehicle fails to stop in time. Dress to be seen and protected. Wearing reflective clothing and bright colours helps other drivers see you. Also, wearing an approved helmet and garments made of leather, or Kevlar, can protect you if you fall. Protect your body from head to toe.Think of it as an invisible shield. The more space you surround yourself with, the better. That way, you’re staying out of drivers’ blind spots and avoiding any sudden movements.Get used to checking your signals when coming up to intersections, ensuring you aren’t sending false messages. Never come between a car and its off ramp. How many times have you seen a vehicle suddenly cross over to a highway off-ramp at the last second because the driver wasn’t paying attention? When approaching off ramps, it’s best to be in the left lane or, at least, ensure there aren’t any vehicles to your left.