L2B crash - gald I wore a helmet

andy_wrx · June 2007

Dunno about compensation - unfortunately I think it would probably be very difficult to claim, even if you knew who the guy was.

There's the legal term Volenti non fit injuria which Wikipedia describes as
<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">
(Latin: "to a willing person, no injury is done") is a common law doctrine which means that someone who knowingly and willingly puts themselves in a dangerous situation will be unable to sue for his or her resulting injuries. It is sometimes described as the plaintiff "consenting to run a risk" but should be distinguished from consent which can prevent some torts arising in the first place (for example, consent to a medical procedure preventing the procedure being a trespass to the person, or consenting to a person visiting your land preventing them being a trespasser).

For example, rugby and football players consent to the incidental contact that arise from the normal conduct of those sports, including the attendant risk of physical injury. In boxing, participants consent to the deliberate infliction of harm by their opponent.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

If you were knocked-off by a car whilst cycling down the high street, fair enough you could try for compensation.

But being knocked-off by another cyclist in a mass-participation event, you'd have to prove that the guy was acting overly recklessly (and you weren't...), which might be a bit difficult I suspect.

why is it sunny all week yet rains at weekends ?

dakidcp · June 2007

Yeah, I was on the L2B at the weekend, and saw a fair few accidents' aftermaths, mostly on descents (although bizarrely one on an ascent?). Glad to hear you're not really seriously injured, and I hope you don't have to pay too dearly for any treatment.

The worst accident I saw was probably on the way into Brighton after Ditchling, on a fast, smoothly-surfaced road that would have easily supported 40-45mph (traffic was fairly thin), were it not for the ambulance and police officers dealing with someone who'd obviously come off somehow. Really hope he was ok ... looked a horrendous place to have one.

The helmet debate is obviously a heated one, but I don't think the OP was really saying everyone else absolutely had to wear a helmet whether they liked it or not, simply that he was glad he wore one and, based on his experience, would recommend it to others. It's always going to be someone's own choice for whether they wear one [:)]

<hr noshade size="1">"Get a bicycle. You will not regret it, if you live."
Mark Twain

Bagonabike · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by ranarama

BentMikey can you back that up with some facts? I'd have been in all sorts of trouble if I hadn't worn a helmet.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Ranarama, there are some facts/stats on helmets here http://www.cyclehelmets.org/mf.html?1128

Glad you're ok though [:)]

ricadus · June 2007

Interesting link, I liked the bit about heated brains. I notice a lot of crap drivers tend to wear hats or baseball caps... [:D]

However the usual subtext of the helmet debate is a philosophical one about the freedom of the individual.

The subject seems to attract people whose quirks of personality compel them to react against what they perceive as unwanted intrusions by authority ("you don't tell me what to do", etc), even when that 'voice of authority' may be someone with actual experience of whacking their uncovered head against the asphalt or kerb.

londonphoenix.co.uk

Jaded · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by ricadus

The subject seems to attract people whose quirks of personality compel them to react against what they perceive as unwanted intrusions by authority ("you don't tell me what to do", etc), even when that 'voice of authority' may be someone with actual experience of whacking their uncovered head against the asphalt or kerb. <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

And thus the anti-compulsionists are dismissed with a pretty disgraceful attack. Read what you wrote again. You might reconsider it.

You could even read some of the evidence and make up your own mind, instead of blindly listening to "someone with actual experience of whacking their uncovered head against the asphalt or kerb."

--
[Warning] This post may contain a baby elephant or traces of one

Cunobelin · June 2007

Firstly I am glad that the injuries were not worse and that the OP is recovering, equally I would also question the conduct of the other cyclist, but this is not "proof" about the effectiveness of helmets.

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">However the usual subtext of the helmet debate is a philosophical one about the freedom of the individual.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Actually it's about facts (or lack of them)and the emotive blackmail used by the pro-helmet lobby on their place.

There are large numbers of activities that cause more head injuries, including walking, climbing stairs and going to the pub.

Are you "irresponsible" if you don't wear a helmet during these activities?

Let's take a simple example:

If I produce a cyclist who says that he was wheeling his bike in a pedestrian area, (and wearing a helmet) when he tripped on a broken paving slab - and then claims that the helmet saved him from more serious injury......

Exactly the same level of "evidence", exactly the same validity and credence.

This is an equal "Proof" for wearing helmets whilst walking, why not follow this excellent advice?

Or is anyone who argues against walking helmets:
<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">The subject seems to attract people whose quirks of personality compel them to react against what they perceive as unwanted intrusions by authority ("you don't tell me what to do", etc), even when that 'voice of authority' may be someone with actual experience of whacking their uncovered head against the asphalt or kerb.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

One could be churlish and point out that a full face helmet would have been even more effective, and that any rider not wearing one is being irresponsible.

He that buys land buys many stones.
He that buys flesh buys many bones.
He that buys eggs buys many shells,
But he that buys good beer buys nothing else.
(Unattributed Trad.)

L2B crash - gald I wore a helmet

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